Electrocardiogram (EKG) : Observing every beat and abnormality

     Understanding every rhythm while monitoring every anomaly down to the second through wave lines—this is perhaps the clearest description of an electrocardiogram. Convenient and fast, this basic diagnostic test should be available at all medical facilities. Whenever you experience chest pain, sweating, palpitations, dizziness, feeling faint, or difficulty breathing, consulting a doctor for an examination is essential.

Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

     An Electrocardiogram (Electrocardiogram : EKG) is a preliminary test that detects electrical signals emitted by the heart with each beat to help diagnose potential conditions, such as heart failure or arrhythmias.

EKG Can Diagnose Various Heart Conditions

Doctors interpret electrocardiogram waveforms to identify abnormalities, such as checking whether the heart rate is regular or if upper and lower chamber activities are coordinated. This helps detect various heart diseases:

• Cardiac Arrhythmia (Irregular Heartbeat)
• Acute Myocardial Ischemia (Heart Attack)
• Cardiomegaly or Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Enlarged or Thickened Heart Muscle)
• Genetic Conditions such as Brugada Syndrome
• Pericarditis (Inflammation of the pericardium)

Common Diagnostic Tests Used Alongside EKG

Even if EKG results appear normal, hidden heart conditions may still exist. When patients report palpitations but initial EKG shows no abnormalities, doctors often perform additional diagnostic tests:

• Holter / Ambulatory EKG Monitoring: Often used when heart rhythm abnormalities are suspected but not captured during a routine test. The device continuously monitors heart activity over 24 hours. 
• Exercise Stress Test: Also known as the ‘Exercise Stress Test’ (EST), used to detect heart abnormalities during strenuous physical activity, typically involving walking or running on a treadmill.
• Echocardiogram: Uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to detailedly examine the chest area, projecting images of the heart structure, cardiac muscle, muscle contraction, blood flow, tumors, or infections.

Procedure of the Test

     The doctor begins by taking the patient’s medical history. The patient then rests comfortably on an examination bed. Medical staff cleans the skin and applies conductive gel before placing a total of 10 electrodes (Electrode) on the chest, arms, and legs. The machine processes and displays the electrocardiogram graph, with the entire procedure taking about 15 minutes.

Interpreting EKG Results

During the examination, the machine receives electrical signals and translates them into a 12-lead EKG graph, which consists of:

• P Wave: A low hill-like wave created when the SA Node sends electrical impulses causing both upper atria to contract simultaneously.
• QRS Complex: A tall, sharp electrical wave caused by the contraction of the left and right ventricles.
• T Wave: The electrical wave produced when the ventricles relax.

Read more: Cardiac Arrhythmia Cardiac Arrhythmia

Q&A Common Questions Regarding EKG

Q:  Is there any difference between EKG and ECG?

A:  Both terms refer to the same electrocardiogram procedure. The minor difference comes from language origin; EKG stems from German spelling (Elektrokardiogramm), and EKG is often used to avoid confusion with an electroencephalogram (EEG). 

Q:  Are there any side effects or risks? ?

A:  Since an EKG only records the heart's electrical activity, it causes no pain or side effects. The procedure takes only 5 - 10 minutes, and patients can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

How to Prepare Before the Test

Avoid heavy exercise for one day prior to the test, and please inform your doctor if you are taking any regular medications or dietary supplements for optimal test results.

Limitations of the Test

     Although highly effective, an EKG may need to be combined with other tests to diagnose a broader range of conditions. If symptoms point toward a specific disorder, doctors may recommend additional procedures, such as Cardiac Catheterization / Coronary Angiography