What is an ECG and what can it tell you?

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is a crucial diagnostic tool used by healthcare professionals to evaluate the heart's function. An ECG can provide valuable insights into various heart conditions, including: 1. Heart rate: The number of times the heart beats per minute. 2. Heart rhythm: The regularity and pattern of the heartbeats. 3. Heart enlargement: Signs that the heart's chambers may be enlarged, often due to conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension). 4. Prior heart attack: Evidence of damage to the heart muscle that may have resulted from a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack). 5. Heart block: Delays or blocks in the electrical conduction system of the heart. 6. Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. 7. Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle. 8. Pericarditis: Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart (the pericardium). 9. Coronary artery disease: Narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, which can lead to chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. The ECG is particularly useful for diagnosing and managing conditions that affect the heart's electrical conduction system, as it can detect subtle changes in the heart's electrical signals that may indicate a problem.

An ECG (electrocardiogram) records the electrical activity of your heart at rest. It provides information about your heart rate and rhythm, and shows if there is enlargement of the heart due to high blood pressure (hypertension) or evidence of a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction).