Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG) is a simple, painless, and quick diagnostic method that records the heart’s electrical activity. It is one of the most commonly used tests in cardiology.
What is an ECG?#
An ECG records the electrical signals produced by the heart with each beat through electrodes placed on the skin. This recording provides valuable information about the heart’s rhythm, rate, and electrical conduction.
Parameters Evaluated by ECG:
- Heart rate
- Heart rhythm (regular/irregular)
- Electrical conduction
- Heart muscle condition
- Previous heart attack traces
ECG Indications#
Symptom Evaluation#
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Fatigue
Disease Monitoring#
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia follow-up
- Hypertension
- Heart valve diseases
Routine Evaluation#
- Pre-operative assessment
- Check-up
- Athlete screening
- Medication monitoring
How is an ECG Performed?#
Preparation#
- No special preparation required
- Removal of upper clothing
- Lying in comfortable position
- Staying still
Procedure Steps#
- Electrode placement: 10 electrodes (4 limb, 6 chest)
- Recording: Takes a few seconds
- Electrode removal: Gel is cleaned
- Results: Evaluated immediately
Procedure Duration#
ECG recording takes approximately 5-10 minutes.
ECG Waves and Their Meanings#
Normal ECG Components#
| Wave/Segment | Meaning |
|---|---|
| P wave | Atrial depolarization |
| PR interval | AV conduction time |
| QRS complex | Ventricular depolarization |
| ST segment | Beginning of ventricular repolarization |
| T wave | Ventricular repolarization |
| QT interval | Total ventricular activity |
Normal Values#
- Heart rate: 60-100/min
- PR interval: 120-200 ms
- QRS duration: <120 ms
- QT interval: Rate-corrected
Abnormalities Detected on ECG#
Rhythm Disorders#
- Sinus tachycardia/bradycardia
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Supraventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Premature beats (PAC, PVC)
Conduction Disorders#
- AV blocks (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree)
- Bundle branch blocks (right/left)
- Fascicular blocks
Ischemia/Infarction Findings#
- ST elevation (acute MI)
- ST depression (ischemia)
- T wave inversion
- Q waves (old MI)
Other Findings#
- Hypertrophy (left/right ventricle)
- Electrolyte abnormalities
- Pericarditis
- Pulmonary embolism findings
Types of ECG#
Standard 12-Lead ECG:
- Most commonly used
- Imaging heart from different angles
Holter ECG:
- 24-48 hour continuous recording
- Detection of intermittent arrhythmias
Event Recorder:
- Recording at time of symptoms
- Long-term follow-up
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is an ECG painful?
Is preparation required for an ECG?
When do ECG results come out?
Does a normal ECG mean no heart disease?
How often should an ECG be done?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for ECG recording and evaluation:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Related Diagnostic Tests#
Other diagnostic tests related to EKG:
- Holter - 24-hour rhythm monitoring
- Exercise Stress Test - Exercise stress test
- Echocardiography - Heart ultrasound
- Ambulatory Cardiac Monitoring - Extended rhythm monitoring
- Electrophysiology Study - Arrhythmia diagnosis