ECG Test

An electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart problems. A health care provider might use an electrocardiogram to determine or detect:

• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• If blocked or narrowed arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) are causing chest pain or a heart attack
• Whether you have had a previous heart attack
• How well certain heart disease treatments, such as a pacemaker, are working

You may need an ECG if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid pulse
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness, fatigue, or a decline in the ability to exercise

The American Heart Association doesn’t recommend using electrocardiograms to assess adults at low risk who don’t have symptoms. But if you have a family history of heart disease, your healthcare provider might suggest an electrocardiogram as a screening test, even if you have no symptoms.