The electrocardiogram, or ECG (EKG), is a simple test that doctors use to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This helps them find heart disease before it becomes a permanent problem. 

This test may find an underlying heart condition including a prior heart attack, or an abnormally enlarged heart from elevated blood pressure or a viral disease such as from Covid-19. 

What causes an abnormal EKG?

An EKG (electrocardiogram) is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.  An abnormal EKG may indicate heart disease, possibly from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or infection. When a person has high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, they are at higher risk for heart disease including angina and a heart attack. 

When should I get an EKG test?

1. When having symptoms suggesting a heart problem: If you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations, an EKG can help diagnose if the heart may be the cause of illness. 
2. As part of a routine physical exam or pre-operative exam: The EKG can be a part of a physical exam, especially important if you have a family history of heart disease. or you have diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. 
3. Before having surgery: If you are scheduled for surgery, your surgeon often recommends an EKG to be sure your heart is healthy enough for surgery. 
4. Recent Chest Pain   Sometimes, an abnormal EKG result may be a sign of a serious issue, such as having had a recent heart attack. When a person has a heart attack, the heart muscle is damaged. Damaged heart muscle will not conduct electricity as well as healthy muscle. 
5. Do you have a Family History of Heart Disease? Persons who are obese, feel chest pain that occurs when performing physical tasks, or at rest, feeling short of breath often, or feeling palpitations, may be clues indicating you are having a problem which is  affecting the heart.

SUMMARY   

An EKG (electrocardiogram) is a useful screening tool to show early reversible heart disease. An EKG is a non-invasive (painless), inexpensive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. If abnormal, this indicates there may be damage to the heart muscle, or lack of oxygen to parts of the heart. 

Early, reversible heart disease can be detected by an EKG because it can show changes in the heart’s electrical activity indicating a problem. For example, an EKG can detect an irregular heartbeat, which may be a sign of atrial fibrillation, a disease that, if not treated, often leads to a stroke. An EKG can also detect changes in the heart’s size and thickness, which may be a sign of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition that can cause sudden cardiac arrest. Having long standing high blood pressure places you at risk. 

Please note that an EKG (or ECG) is not a definitive diagnostic tool for heart disease. It is a screening tool that can help identify potential problems, but further testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis, such as lab testing or a most costly test such as  echocardiogram with a cardiologist.  Additionally, some people with heart disease may have a normal EKG, so it is important to review cardiac risk factors such as family history, and lifestyle with your doctor or healthcare provider.