The terms electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrocardiograph (EKG) are different abbreviations for the same test that measures the heart's electrical activity.
An electrocardiograph (EKG) is the procedure that examines heart function by recording these electrical impulses. With every heartbeat, electrical waves travel through the heart, causing the muscles to contract and pump blood.
An electrocardiogram is the actual recording of this electrical activity. Based on its output, healthcare providers can determine whether the heart’s electrical activity is normal or irregular.
ECG machines are widely used in hospitals, clinics, operating rooms, and even ambulances. Today, some personal devices—like smartwatches—can perform simple ECGs. The main difference between the terms ECG and EKG lies in their origin:
ECG (electrocardiogram) comes from English.
EKG (elektrokardiogramm) comes from German.
What is the purpose of an ECG and EKG?
An electrocardiogram is done to measure the electrical activity of the heart. Your healthcare provider uses an electrocardiograph to diagnose certain cardiac disorders. Doctors use ECG or EKG to detect the following conditions:- Detect abnormal heart rhythms that may have caused blood clots
- Detect heart problems like:
- Heart attack
- Arrhythmias
- Coronary artery blockages
- Areas of damaged muscles in the heart
- Enlargement in the heart
- Pericarditis (Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart )
- Detect non-heart conditions like:
- Thyroid imbalance
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Lung diseases
- Detect hidden heart diseases in patients about to undergo surgery
- Examine the progression of heart disease, recovery from a heart attack, or how the heart responds after certain medications or a pacemaker.
When should I go for an ECG test:
Your healthcare provider will ask you to do an ECG test if you have a family history of heart disease. Along with this, they will ask you to do an ECG if you have any of the following symptoms:- Pain in chest
- Fast pulse
- Shortness of breath
- If you feel pounding, fluttering, or a skipped heartbeat
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion
- Fatigue and weakness
- Decreased stamina or reduced ability to exercise
Procedure for Electrocardiogram:
ECG or EKG is a simple procedure and your healthcare provider requires only a few minutes to complete it. The steps of the procedure include:- The healthcare professional will ask you to lie down on a bed or table.
- They will ask you to remove or unbutton the clothing covering the chest.
- Your healthcare provider will attach sensors that stick into your skin (electrodes )into your arms, legs, and chest. They may clean the area for proper placement of the electrode
- Wires connect these electrodes to a computer
- Electrodes measure the magnitude and direction of electrical impulses in a person’s heart during each heartbeat.
- The computer linked to the electrodes records the electrical activity and displays it on a monitor or prints it out.
- Once the test is over, your healthcare provider will remove these electrodes.
- Exercise EKG: In this type, your healthcare provider will perform an EKG while you are exercising. During this procedure, the healthcare professional increases the level of difficulty to look for any changes in heart activity and they will ask you to stop exercising if any abnormal results are seen.
- Holted Monitor: It is an EKG that a person wears for a longer period of time. Your healthcare provider attaches electrodes to a person’s chest, which are linked to a small recording device. You can wear this device on a belt or hang it around your neck.
How do I prepare myself for an EKG test:
You can eat or drink as you like before taking ECG or EKG. Consider the following points if you are planning to go for an ECG test:- Do not apply greasy, oily, or other moisturizing creams to your body as it will interfere with electrodes
- Avoid full-length hosiery, as electrodes need to attach directly to your legs
- Wear a shirt or dress that you can unbutton easily to place electrodes
What are the Side Effects of an Electrocardiogram:
In general, ECG or EKG is a low-risk test. An electrocardiogram does not put radiation or electricity into your skin. However, some patients may experience slight allergic reactions in the skin (skin irritations)where the electrodes are placed and these irritations subside on their own.Interpreting the results of an Electrocardiogram:
After completing the procedure, your doctor will explain the results. An abnormal result in the ECG does not always mean that the person is having heart disease. For example, athletes show an abnormal result in ECG. Also, some underlying cardiac diseases also show abnormal results in ECG.After evaluating the results, your doctor will explain to the person about any treatments they need. A person who has an abnormal EKG result may require further testing, such as an echocardiogram.
Difference between Electrocardiogram and an Echocardiogram
Both tests monitor heart health but in different ways:
-
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart’s electrical activity using electrodes.
-
Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to visualize the heart’s structure.
Conclusion:
An electrocardiogram and electrocardiograph are different abbreviations representing a simple procedure. It records the electrical signals in the heart and the results can help healthcare providers diagnose heart attacks and irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias. It is a quick and painless procedure. An ECG gives detailed data regarding heart rate, heart rhythm, structural changes, and blood and oxygen supply to the heart that help the healthcare providers plan treatment accordingly.FAQS
Q1. What is the full form of ECG?A: The full form of ECG is Electrocardiogram. It records the heart’s electrical activity to detect abnormalities in heart rhythm and function.
Q2. Is ECG and EKG the same?
A: Yes. ECG (Electrocardiogram) and EKG (Elektrokardiogramm in German) refer to the same test used to check the heart’s electrical signals.
Q3. What is the difference between an electrocardiogram and electrocardiograph?
A: An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the actual test recording heart activity, while an electrocardiograph is the machine that performs the test.
Q4. Is ECG a painful procedure?
A: No. ECG is a simple, quick, and painless test. At most, you may feel slight skin irritation where the electrodes are placed.
Q5. How long does an ECG test take?
A: A standard ECG test usually takes 5–10 minutes. Patients can go home immediately after the procedure.
Q6. Can ECG detect heart blockage?
A: ECG can show irregular heart rhythms linked to blockages, but it cannot confirm them. Tests like angiography are used for confirmation.
Q7. When should I get an ECG test done?
A: Your doctor may recommend an ECG if you experience chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or have a family history of heart disease.
