Electrocardiogram Usage

An ECG is used to:

• Diagnose heart attacks and rhythm problems
• Offer clues about other heart conditions and conditions not primarily related to the heart
• Detect conditions that alter the body’s balance of electrolytes (eg, potassium and magnesium )
• Detect other problems, such as overdoses of certain drugs

Symptoms that may prompt an ECG include:

• Chest discomfort or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations (fast heartbeats)
• Anxiety
• Weakness
• Nausea or the feeling that you have to vomit
• Abdominal pain
• History of fainting
• Taking certain drugs

An ECG may also be obtained if you:

• Are about to have surgery with general anesthesia —to detect heart conditions that could worsen during surgery and put you at risk
• Are in occupations that stress the heart or where public safety is a concern
• Are an older adult or have diabetes—to obtain a record to compare with future ECGs
• Already have heart disease—to check occasionally for any changes
• Have had a heart-related procedure, such as getting a pacemaker