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An electrocardiogram, known as an EKG, is one of the first tests ordered by physicians for patients that are suspected of having heart problems. The EKG machine assesses the electrical activity of the heart by measuring time intervals and the amount of activity that passes through the muscles of the heart. Every time the heart beats, it sends an electrical wave through the heart. These electrical impulses trigger the heart muscles to compress, forcing the heart to pump out blood. Measuring the length of time it takes for the electric impulses to travel to the different areas of the heart allows physicians to determine if the activity is in the normal range. It can reveal abnormalities if electrical activity is irregular.

These electrical waves are recorded by the EKG machine and then displayed on a graph paper that is printed out by the physician.

This noninvasive procedure is performed by applying sticky electrodes to the patient’s body. Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, legs and depending on the type of EKG machine used, may be placed on the shoulders and hips as well. The patient is connected to the EKG machine via the wires that are attached to the electrodes. The patient is instructed to remain still during the procedure to allow for an accurate recording of the EKG. Once all of the electrodes are applied and the test is administered, the actual recording will take only a few moments.

There are no risks associated with an EKG stress test. It is a safe and pain free procedure with no reports of serious reactions. The most common minor side effect is skin irritation at the site of the electrodes after they are removed. Occasionally, normal recordings occur in patients that have substantial heart disease. Additionally, an EKG may present as abnormal while the heart is functioning properly with no abnormalities. For this reason it is always best to obtain a second opinion. It is recommended that patients presenting with an abnormal EKG test or patients with normal results that are presenting with abnormal cardiac symptoms should make an appointment with a cardiac specialist.