Admin_NHT Staff asked 5 years ago An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart. It is a very common and easy test used to detect a wide range of cardiac problems and the overall health of your heart. The doctor may perform an ECG if you experience chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or a decreased ability to exercise.
During the procedure, the electrodes are placed on to your skin which are connected to the ECG monitor. If you have hairy chest, you might be asked to shave as the electrodes won’t stick and the reading will be incorrect. Usually about 12 electrodes are attached to your chest, abdomen and your limbs. You will be asked to breathe normally and remain still. The test takes about 5-10 minutes to complete and you can resume your activities after it’s done. There are no special pre-requisites needed for the exam, although you should tell you doctor if you are prescribed any medication for an existing heart condition as it may alter your results. If the doctor finds severe abnormalities in your ECG, you might be advised for additional testing and a treatment plan might be prescribed to you.