Course Description

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that is conducted to determine the electrical activity of the heart. This test is done when a patient presents with:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Very high or very low blood pressure

This test is also done to check for:

• Electrical activity of the heart due to medications
• Possible signs of heart attack
• Heart enlargement
• Pacemaker activity
• Cardiac dysfunction associated with increase in activity

Below are sample tracings of various rhythms with clinical implications:

Normal EKG

EKG Artifacts