What does ecg measure

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack. Angina Chest Pain. Diagnosing a Heart Attack. Treatment of a Heart Attack. Life After a Heart Attack. Heart Attack Tools and Resources. What is it? Why is it done? An ECG works best when the skin is clean and dry, and free of oils and lotions.

The selected sites are shaved if necessary because hair prevents the electrodes from making proper contact with the skin. Electrodes sensors are attached to the chest, arms and legs or sticky gel.

These electrodes detect the electrical currents generated by the heart — these are measured and recorded by the electrocardiograph. When the procedure is completed, the electrodes are removed. An ECG is completely painless and non-invasive, as the skin is not penetrated.

The doctor can interpret the results of your ECG straight away based on your medical history, symptoms and clinical examination. The ECG is a safe procedure with no known risks. It does not send electric current to the body.

Some people may be allergic or sensitive to the electrodes, which can cause local skin reddening. After an ECG you can resume normal activities immediately. 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.

Talk to your doctor about the right treatment for your heart condition and how to self-manage in the community. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Allergy testing is used to find which substances provoke an allergic reaction. Aortic stenosis may be congenital present from before birth , but is often diagnosed during teenage years. Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as reflux, narrowing or ulceration. Barmah Forest virus BFV disease can cause joint inflammation and pain, fatigue and a rash of variable appearance.

A full recovery can be expected. Most people recover completely within six months, although some people have intermittent symptoms for longer.

Detect non-heart conditions such as electrolyte imbalances and lung diseases. Monitor recovery from a heart attack, progression of heart disease, or the effectiveness of certain heart medications or a pacemaker. Rule out hidden heart disease in patients about to undergo surgery. How do you prepare? What can you expect? An ECG is a non-invasive procedure, which means that nothing is injected into the body. It is painless. A number of electrodes — usually a total of 12 to 15 — are attached to various locations on your body including your arm, leg and chest.

The electrodes are attached by small suction cups or adhesive patches.