An
electrocardiogram, abbreviated as an
EKG or an
ECG, is a
non-invasive method of viewing
data pertaining to the heart's electrical activity. It involves having
small electrodes placed on the
legs, chest and arms. Unlike some other
medical procedures, there no required "
preparation." For example, some people who get an
EEG, an
electroencephalogram are asked to
go without sleep (
sleep-deprived EEG); no such methods are required for an ECG. This test can only be ordered by a doctor; you can't get one for fun. It's only asked that oils, powders, etc are not placed on the chest.
ECG's are commonly performed in situations where there is suspected heart trouble, like a heart murmur, decreased oxygen to the heart, or with patients who have had cardiac episodes and histories of heart problems, like arrythmia and cardiac arrest.