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What is it?
An electrocardiogram – often abbreviated, as EKG or ECG – is a test that measures
the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With each beat, an electrical impulse
(or “wave”) travels through the heart. This wave causes the muscle to squeeze and
pump blood from the heart.
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Why is it done?
An EKG gives two major kinds of information. First, by measuring time intervals
on the EKG, a doctor can determine how long the electrical wave takes to pass through
the heart. Finding out how long a wave takes to travel from one part of the heart
to the next shows if the electrical activity is normal or slow, fast or irregular.
Second, by measuring the amount of electrical activity passing through the heart
muscle, a pediatric cardiologist may be able to find out if parts of the heart are
too large or are overworked.
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How is it done?
Several sensors called electrodes will pick up the electrical activity in the heart.
Your child will lie down, and technicians will put several patches (electrodes)
on the chest, arms and legs. Usually the electrodes are soft and don’t cause any
discomfort when they’re put on or taken off by the technician. The electrodes are
connected to wires called leads, which are connected to the EKG machine. The electrical
activity of the heart then is recorded on a moving strip of paper in the EKG machine.
If your child is young or anxious, you or a second technician may be needed to help
provide reassurance. During the EKG recording, your child must lie quietly for 10-20
seconds, because the electrocardiograph will detect any muscle or body movement.
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Does it hurt?
No. There’s no pain or risk associated with having an electrocardiogram.
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Is it harmful?
No. The machine only records the EKG. It doesn’t send electricity into the body.
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