Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is used to examine the heart’s health. It primarily tracks the heart’s rate, or how frequently and consistently it beats (heart rhythm). It can provide us with crucial information, such as the likelihood of coronary artery narrowing, a heart attack, or an abnormal heartbeat like atrial fibrillation.

A transducer (probe) is positioned either on the skin or inside a body opening during an ultrasonic examination. A slight coating of gel is placed on the skin to allow the ultrasonic waves from the transducer to pass through the gel and into the body.

The ultrasound image is created due to the waves’ reflection off the body’s structures. The information required to create an image is provided by the strength (amplitude) of the sound signal and the duration of the wave’s passage through the body.

When should an ECG test be taken:

• Chest pain of sudden onset
• Stomach pain on exertion
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Chest pain in the middle of the chest
• Sweating of sudden onset
• Throat pain on exertion