What is an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)?
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a recording of the electrical activity in all areas of your heart. The electrical activity is shown as waveforms on a piece of paper or on a monitor. An EKG gives your Inova physician information about your heart rate and heart rhythm, the presence of heart damage after a heart attack, inadequate blood and about oxygen supply to the heart, as well as about abnormalities of the structure of the heart (for example, an enlarged heart). An EKG is performed to evaluate many forms of heart disease, including a heart attack, heart rhythm disturbances, and other abnormalities.
EKGs are also used in holter monitors and exercise stress tests.