Electrocardiogram

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What is an ECG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. The machine that records the patient’s ECG is called an electrocardiograph.

The electrocardiograph records the electrical activity of the heart muscle and displays this data as a trace on a screen or on paper. This date is then interpreted by a medical practitioner.

How to ensure an accurate reading:

The patient must be in a supine position

the appearance of the ECG can vary depending on the position of the body. Any changes to a supine position should be documented on the printed ECG

The patient should be comfortable and relaxed to achieve a clinically accurate recording

DO NOT place electrodes over:

Bones

Irritated skin

areas where there is a lot of muscle movement

incisions