More than 8 million patients with chest-related complaints present each year. 10% of these comprise heart-related emergencies. Immediate evaluation is the standard care to differentiate life-threatening from non-life-threatening conditions. They require an ECG vs EKG.

‍

ECG, or Electrocardiogram, is a non-invasive, painless, short procedure that helps your healthcare provider track the needed information. It will help them determine your normal heart rhythm, heart attack, heart failure, heart damage, and even the possible working of your pacemaker.

‍

It is the simplest way to assess the health of the heart. ECG/ EKG is the first test you will have if you have signs of a heart condition. It is a test conducted at your healthcare provider’s office, outpatient clinic, or hospital before surgery or as part of another heart test called a stress test.

‍

What is an EKG/ECG?

ECG and EKG are the opposite sides of the same coin. They are both abbreviations for the same test electrocardiogram. The ECG is an electrocardiogram, and the EKG is an elektrokardiogram with a K in spelling.

‍

Both terms mean the same- Electrocardiogram. EKG is derived from a German word with K instead of C in both parts of the word. 

‍

‍

‍

Types of ECG Devices

The electrical activity in the heart lasts for a very short time. The probability of it tracking or picking up irregularities within that short time is less. To record the erratic impulses, the patient has to wear-

‍

• Holter Monitor: An electronic device worn for 24 to 48 hours. It provides continuous monitoring and recording of the changes in the heart.

• Event Monitor: These wearable monitoring devices are attached to the skin for a week or more. A patient can control it himself, like the click of a button, as the symptoms appear and off on their disappearance.

‍

When do we need an ECG?

ECG is a part of a routine investigation after forty. Young professionals who work in high-stress environments may also need it. Sometimes, a heart condition may present with abnormal presentations, and ECG helps to confirm it.

‍

Other medical reasons for doing an ECG/EKG are 

• It helps to assess heart rhythm to check for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats)

• To diagnose poor blood flow to heart muscles (ischemia) because of coronary artery disease.

• In diagnosing a heart attack

• To diagnose heart abnormalities such as chamber enlargement and abnormal electrical conduction.

• In diagnosing damage to the heart or heart failure

• Before an upcoming surgery as a part of a pre-anesthetic check-up

• To assess the working of your heart after implanting a pacemaker.

• It helps to assess the response of medication after a cardiac event.

• To diagnose a heart attack.  

‍

Symptoms you diagnose with ECG/EKG

ECG/EKG helps in diagnosis if you complain about any of the following conditions-

‍

• Chest Pain for angina or heart attack

• Palpitations irregular or fast heartbeats in conditions like atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and supraventricular tachycardia

• Shortness of breath or dyspnoea in conditions such as pulmonary embolism or pericardial effusion

• Dizziness or fainting, also called syncope

• Fatigue and weakness, which may indicate heart failure, electrolyte imbalance

• Long-term high blood pressure or hypertension that may cause left ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement)

• Swelling or edema in the legs suggests heart failure or cor pulmonale.

• Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) due to atrial fibrillation

• Unexplained sweating, nausea, or jaw pain

‍

Who performs an ECG?

An ECG is done by a healthcare provider on the instructions of a cardiologist. In emergencies, an ambulance staff may also do it. It is usually done in a hospital or your healthcare provider’s facility.  

‍

‍

‍

How is the ECG/EKG done?

An EKG or ECG uses temporary electrodes on our chest and limbs to monitor, track, and document electrical activity. The computer in the ECG machine translates these electrical impulses generated within the heart into a waveform. The waveform is recorded on the graph paper. 

‍

These waveforms help healthcare providers interpret the condition of your heart. Our heart is a muscular organ. It can pump blood as a result of rhythmic muscular movement. This muscular movement arises as a result of electrical activity.

‍

‍

‍

How to read an ECG?

The sinoatrial node in the heart is the point of origin of a heartbeat. Signals pass from this node to other parts of the heart. The ECG/ EKG reads these signals and tracks the electrical activity of the muscle expansion and contraction. 

‍

These electrical signals generate a waveform. The troughs, peaks, depth, and width show the strength of electrical impulses in every contraction and relaxation of various heart muscles.

‍

• The upper heart chamber is where the heartbeats start. Creates the first wave called the P wave.

• The ventricles or lower heart chambers create the next wave called the QRS complex.

• The T wave represents the resting or recovery of the heart.

‍

‍

‍

What do you expect at the time of ECG/EKG?

The resting ECG does not take more than 3 minutes.

‍

• The patient lies on the examination table.

• He must remain still during ECG recording and the tracing printing from the computer.

• The electrodes are sensors attached to the skin. They are attached to your arms, legs, and chest.

• Shaving body hair may be required from the region where electrodes are attached.

• During the ECG, small electrodes are placed on the skin using a jelly-like material that can cause tingling.

• You may not be allowed to make movements as they interfere with the recordings.

• One can resume all activities after an ECG if abnormal findings of a heart problem requiring immediate attention are not detected.

‍

What to expect after an ECG?

ECG electrode removal from the skin rarely causes discomfort. A normal ECG requires no aftercare unless advised. One can resume their activities if there are no abnormal findings evident.

‍

How do I prepare for an ECG/EKG?

You can prepare yourself only when you are going for a planned ECG/EKG.  

‍

• You need to wear comfortable loose clothes as you will remove clothing from the chest region.

• Also, do not apply oils and lotions before an ECG.

• Stay hydrated and sleep well before an ECG.

‍

Are there any risks involved?

ECG is a simple, non-invasive test. It does not involve any risk. There is no exposure to radiation or an electric current. A battery-operated machine is used for it. There are rare possibilities of allergic reactions from electrode adhesives.  

‍

What do the results mean to me?

‍

EKG results may show.

• Heart rhythm that is irregular, too fast, or too slow

• Past or present heart attack?

• Heart walls that may have thickened

• Insufficient supply of blood to the heart.

• Heart failure

‍

When should I ask for the results?

The results of your ECG/EKG will be available instantaneously. One is informed about the results immediately. An emergency event will warrant immediate action. If the ECG/EKG does not point to an emergency, you may not hear from your provider soon. Your ECG will be kept for future comparisons by your healthcare provider.

‍

When do I need to call a doctor?  

‍

You should contact your doctor if-

• It has been several days since your ECG.

• You have queries about the next step.

• If your symptoms worsen after the ECG, it is time to call for attention.

• You should inform your doctor. A cardiologist is consulted for a personalized treatment plan.

‍

Conclusion

Both ECG and EKG are abbreviations for electrocardiogram with different spellings. They are a snapshot of the activity of the heart. It is a simple and quick procedure to assess the condition of your heart. There can be several conditions when a person may have irregular ECG readings. These irregular readings are often considered normal for some people.