Electrocardiogram (EKG) Offered at Mercy in Baltimore

An electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG, is a basic test used to determine heart health or the presence of heart disease.  It measures the electrical activity of the heart muscle when pumping and while resting between beats.

• Resting  (basic or regular) EKG
• Stress testing
• Holter (or event) Monitor

A resting EKG is done in a doctor’s office or in an outpatient area of a medical center.  You will be asked to lie on your back on an examining table. Small sticky patches (wire electrodes) will be placed on your chest, arms and legs. While you lie quietly the EKG machine will record your heart’s activity on a paper strip as a series of wavy lines.

Stress testing uses EKG technology to track your heart activity. The test is performed with the patient walking on a treadmill or riding on a stationary bicycle.

A Holter monitor can be worn at home for a number of days. Electrodes taped to the chest send heart activity data to a small device clipped to a belt or waistband.

Your doctor will analyze EKG test results and meet with you to discuss the findings.

EKG testing is important in the diagnosis of heart attack, arrhythmias, heart defects, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart inflammation.  It can also be used to rule out heart problems before starting an exercise program or taking part in sports.