Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

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Why it's done

By Mayo Clinic staff

Heart-Healthy Living

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An electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to diagnose many common types of heart problems. Your doctor may use an electrocardiogram to detect:

  • Irregularities in your heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
  • Heart defects
  • Problems with your heart's valves
  • Blocked or narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease)
  • A heart attack, in emergency situations
  • A previous heart attack
Risks Definition
References
  1. Electrocardiogram. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ekg/. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
  2. Podrid PJ. Ambulatory monitoring in the assessment of cardiac arrhythmias. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
  3. Stress testing. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/stress/. Accessed Aug. 20, 2012.
MY00086 Oct. 24, 2012

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