Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

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KEY POINTS

• An electrocardiogram is a test that shows the electrical activity of the heart. It can help diagnose heart problems and other conditions by looking at the pattern made by the electric signal.
• Several small sticky pads are put on your child’s chest, arms, and legs. Long wires will be attached to the pads and connected to a recording machine. The test usually takes less than 5 minutes.
• Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about what the test results mean and ask any questions you have.

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What is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)?

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that shows the electrical activity of the heart.

An electrical signal in your heart starts each heartbeat, causing the heart muscle to squeeze (contract). Normally, this signal starts in the upper right chamber of the heart (the right atrium) at a place called the sinus node. The signal then follows normal pathways to the upper left atrium and to the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles). These electrical signals can be detected through wires placed on the skin. The ECG records these electrical signals.

When is it used?

Your healthcare provider can diagnose heart problems and other conditions by looking at the pattern made by the electric signal. An ECG, often done along with other tests, can show:

• How fast the heart is beating
• Abnormal heartbeats and heart rhythms
• The strength of the electrical signals and how long they take to go through the heart muscle
• Thickening of the heart muscle caused by high blood pressure or other diseases
• Heart problems your child had at birth such as abnormal heart valves or holes in the heart
• Parts of the heart that are not getting enough blood
• High levels of potassium or other chemicals that affect your heartbeat

An ECG can also be done to check how well heart medicines or a heart pacemaker is working.

How do I prepare my child for this test?

• Tell your child's healthcare provider about all the medicines and supplements your child takes. Ask your provider before stopping any of your child's regular medicines.
• Follow any instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your child’s healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the test?

An ECG is a painless test that takes less than 5 minutes. It can be done in a healthcare provider's office, clinic, or hospital. Small sticky pads are put on your child’s chest, arms, and legs. Long wires will be attached to the pads and connected to a recording machine. Your child needs to lie still and not talk while the test is being done. You will be able to stay with your child while the test is being done.

What happens after the test?

After the test, your child can go home and go back to normal activities. Any skin irritation from the pads will go away quickly after they are removed.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will get your child’s test results
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if your child has them

Make sure you know when your child should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this test?

There is no risk with this test.