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Modern EKG machines are used to diagnose heart problems and check for abnormal heart rhythms.  By translating line tracings on an electrocardiogram, doctors can interpret the spikes and dips (known as waves) to see a complete picture of the heart’s overall health.

The heart muscle is actually made up of four chambers, which act as a pump.  The two upper chambers are known as “atria” and the two lower chambers are ventricles.  But the heart doesn’t pump properly without a certain amount of electrical stimulus, or impulses.  The body’s natural electrical system is what causes the heart to contract and pump blood to the lungs and through the circulatory system.

An EKG test, or electrocardiogram, is done to:

• Assess the heart’s electrical impulses
• Find the cause of chest pain, which is often caused by a heart attack, pericarditis, or angina.
• Diagnose symptoms of heart disease, including shortness of breath, fainting, dizziness or palpitations.
• Find out if the heart chamber walls are too thick
• Check the effectiveness of heart medicines, and determine if they are causing any side effects
• Check on implanted heart devices, such as pacemakers, to be sure they are working properly
• Perform regular heart check-ups, especially when other conditions are present, like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Preparing for an EKG test

Some medicines can change the results of the test, so be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription or non-prescription drugs you are taking.  You may need to change your dosage of these medications prior to the test.

EKG machines are usually used only by health professionals, with the results being interpreted by a doctor.  You may receive an EKG as part of an overall physical exam, or during a series of tests at a hospital.  Because EKG machines are often portable, the test can be done almost anywhere.  If you are staying in the hospital, you may be continuously monitored by an EKG system, which is a process called telemetry.

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