Can an EKG predict a heart attack?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide some insights into the role of an EKG in predicting heart attacks. An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It's a valuable tool for diagnosing various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, heart enlargement, and damage to the heart muscle from a previous heart attack. However, its predictive value for a future heart attack is more nuanced. For individuals who are at intermediate or high risk for heart problems but do not have symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain, the use of an EKG for predicting a future heart attack is not straightforward. According to Joy Melnikow, M.D., a member of the task force, there is no clear evidence that an EKG will help predict a future attack in such cases. It's important to note that while an EKG can detect abnormal heart rhythms and other signs of heart disease, it does not provide a definitive answer about whether a person will have a heart attack. Risk assessment for heart attack involves a combination of factors, including family history, lifestyle, and other health conditions, in addition to the findings from an EKG. In summary, while an EKG is a crucial diagnostic tool for evaluating heart health, it is not a standalone predictor of future heart attacks, especially in asymptomatic individuals at intermediate or high risk.

And if you're at intermediate or high-risk for heart problems, but don't have symptoms �� like shortness of breath or chest pain �� there's no evidence one way or another that an EKG (sometimes called a ECG) will help predict a future attack, said Joy Melnikow, M.D., a member of the task force.