Know Your Heart Performance

ECG is used to detect heart problems such as abnormal heartbeats, coronary heart disease, blockages or thickening of heart walls. If you experience symptoms like chest pains, palpitations, dizziness, fainting or shortness of breath – your cardiologist will suggest an ECG.

No, ECG is a completely non-invasive and harmless procedure. The readings are taken by sensors attached to the skin that detect the electrical signals produced by your heart. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to find any abnormalities. It is used to aid the other tests and treatments related to your heart.

• The following steps are followed to carry out an ECG exam:

  • Generally, a number of electrodes in the form of small sticky sensors are put on your arms, legs and chest. These are connected by wires to an ECG machine that records your heart activity.
  • The test does not require any special preparations.
  • But before the electrodes are attached, you’ll have to unclothe yourself and your chest may need to be shaved or cleaned.

There are 3 main types of ECG:

• Resting ECG (lying down in a comfortable position)
• Stress or exercise ECG (using an exercise bike or treadmill)
• Ambulatory ECG (portable machine to monitor for 1 day)

ECG is quick and painless and usually takes a few minutes to perform.

• No electricity is put through your body while it is performed. There may be some slight discomfort when the electrodes are removed from your skin – similar to removing a sticking plaster – and you may develop a mild rash where the electrodes were attached. An exercise ECG is performed under supervision. The person carrying out the test will carefully monitor you, and they’ll stop the test if you experience any symptoms or any unnecessary strain.