What Is an EKG? A Simple Guide for Patients Before Your Test
If your doctor has scheduled you for an EKG, you might be feeling a little uncertain. You may wonder: What exactly is it? Will it hurt? How should I prepare? The good news is that an EKG (also called an ECG) is a quick, painless, and highly useful test that gives doctors important insights into your heart's health. This guide will explain everything you need to know about EKGs in clear, simple terms—so you feel more confident and informed before your appointment. What Is an EKG? EKG stands for Electrocardiogram. It’s a test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. Your heart beats because of electrical signals that tell it when to contract and pump blood. An EKG records those signals and displays them as a series of waves on a graph. By studying these patterns, healthcare providers can detect a range of heart problems—from irregular rhythms (arrhythmias) to signs of heart attacks. Although “EKG” and “ECG” are both correct terms, they mean the same thing. “EKG” is derive...