Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, painless, and non-invasive diagnostic test used to record the electrical activity of the heart. It plays a vital role in assessing heart health by measuring the timing and strength of electrical signals as they travel through the heart muscle. These signals control the heartbeat, and any irregularity in their pattern can indicate potential heart-related conditions. During an ECG test, small adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs, which are connected to an ECG machine that records the heart’s activity in the form of waves on paper or a digital screen. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and does not involve any needles, injections, or radiation.

An ECG is commonly used to detect a wide range of cardiac conditions, including irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), heart attacks (both current and previous), reduced blood flow to the heart (ischemia), enlarged heart chambers, and electrolyte imbalances. It is also frequently performed as part of routine health checkups, pre-surgical evaluations, and emergency assessments when patients experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, or fainting. Doctors may also recommend ECG monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of heart medications or implanted devices such as pacemakers.