The Electrocardiogram is a diagnostic tool that measures and records the electrical activity of the heart in exquisite detail. Interpretation of these details allows diagnosis of a wide range of heart conditions. These conditions can vary from minor to life-threatening.

An ECG is used to measure

• Any damage to the heart
• Measure the patient’s heart rhythm, rate, palpitation, conduction disturbances, the presence of heart attack/infarction, presence of cardiac chambers enlargement
• The effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemakers)

Procedures

This test is performed when the patient is lying down. Electrodes are placed across the patient’s chest, wrists and ankles.