Electrocardiogram
Why It Is Done
An Reference electrocardiogram Opens New Window (EKG or ECG) is done to:
- Check the heart's electrical activity.
- Find the cause of unexplained chest pain, which could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (Reference pericarditis Opens New Window), or Reference angina Opens New Window.
- Find the cause of symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or rapid, irregular heartbeats (palpitations).
- Find out if the walls of the heart chambers are too thick (hypertrophied).
- Check how well medicines are working and whether they are causing side effects that affect the heart.
- Check how well mechanical devices that are implanted in the heart, such as Reference pacemakers Opens New Window, are working to control a normal heartbeat.
- Check the health of the heart when other diseases or conditions are present, such as Reference high blood pressure Opens New Window, Reference high cholesterol Opens New Window, cigarette smoking, Reference diabetes Opens New Window, or a family history of early heart disease.
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