It is important that the ECG should be interpret by Cardiologist 

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. The machine that records the patient’s ECG is called an electrocardiograph. The electrocardiograph records the electrical activity of the heart muscle and displays this data as a trace on a screen or on paper. This data is then interpreted by a medical practitioner.

ECGs from normal, healthy hearts have a characteristic shape. Any irregularity in the heart rhythm or damage to the heart muscle can change the electrical activity of the heart so that the shape of the ECG is changed. A doctor may recommend an ECG for patients who may be at risk of heart disease because there is a family history of heart disease, or because they smoke, are overweight, or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Some of the various heart problems that can be diagnosed by ECG include:

• Enlargement of the heart
• Congenital heart defects involving the conducting (electrical) system
• Abnormal rhythm (arrhythmia) – rapid, slow or irregular heart beats
• Damage to the heart such as when one of the heart’s arteries is blocked (coronary occlusion)
• Poor blood supply to the heart
• Abnormal position of the heart
• Heart inflammation – pericarditis or myocarditis
• Cardiac arrest during emergency room or intensive care monitoring
• Disturbances of the heart’s conducting system
• Imbalances in the blood chemicals (electrolytes) that control heart activity.

A person with heart disease may have a normal ECG result if the condition does not cause a disturbance in the electrical activity of the heart. Other diagnostic methods may be recommended if heart disease is suspected.

Medical issues to consider with an ECG

A doctor may recommend an ECG if a patient is experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or fast or irregular heartbeats (palpitations). ECGs are often performed to monitor the health of patients who have been diagnosed with heart problems, to help assess artificial cardiac pacemakers or to monitor the effects of certain medications on the heart.

There is no need to restrict food or drink prior to the test. You should always let your doctor know what medications you are taking before you have an ECG, and if you have any allergies to adhesive tapes that may be used to attach electrodes.

The three major types of ECG include:

• Resting ECG– the patient lies down. No movement is allowed during this time, as electrical impulses generated by other muscles may interfere with those generated by your heart. This type of ECG usually takes five to 10 minutes.
• Ambulatory ECG– ambulatory or Holter ECG is performed using a portable recording device that is worn for at least 24 hours. The patient is free to move around normally while the monitor is attached. This type of ECG is used for patients whose symptoms are intermittent and may not appear during a resting ECG. People recovering from heart attack may be monitored in this way to ensure proper heart function. The patient usually records symptoms in a diary, noting the time so that their own experience can be compared with the ECG.
• Cardiac stress test– this test is used to record a patient’s ECG while the patient rides on an exercise bike or walks on a treadmill. This type of ECG takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

Long-term outlook

The results of your ECG will determine your treatment, if any. Treatment depends on the diagnosed condition but may include, for example:

• Arrhythmia’s– medication or surgery (such as installing an artificial pacemaker)
• Coronary artery disease or heart attack– medications including beta-blockers, quitting cigarettes, dietary changes and coronary artery bypass surgery

High blood pressure – dietary changes, regular exercise and medications.