What Does an EKG Show? A Plain-English Guide

An EKG, also called an ECG or electrocardiogram, is one of the most common heart tests in the world. It's quick, painless and gives a snapshot of how your heart's electrical system is working.

How an EKG works

Every heartbeat starts with a small electrical signal. An EKG records those signals through small sticky pads (electrodes) placed on your chest, arms and legs. The result is the familiar wave pattern you've seen on hospital monitors.

At our clinic we perform a 12-lead EKG, the same standard used in hospitals and cardiology offices. Ten electrodes record your heart's electrical activity from 12 different angles, giving a more complete picture than a single-lead reading from a smartwatch.

What an EKG can show

• Heart rate: whether your heart is beating too fast, too slow or within a typical range.
• Heart rhythm: whether the beats are regular. An EKG can pick up irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is linked to a higher stroke risk and doesn't always cause noticeable symptoms.
• Electrical conduction: how the signal travels through the heart, including delays or blocks.
• Other patterns that a physician may want to look into further, such as signs of strain or a past heart attack.

What an EKG can't show

A resting EKG is a snapshot of a few minutes. It doesn't directly show plaque in your arteries, and an irregular rhythm that comes and goes may not appear during the recording. That's why we pair the EKG with ultrasounds of your carotid arteries and aorta and an ABI circulation test, to give a broader picture.

What the test feels like

• You lie down on an exam table.
• Ten small stickers go on your chest, arms and legs.
• You lie still and breathe normally for a few minutes while the machine records all 12 leads.
• The stickers come off, and you're done.

There are no needles and no electricity goes into your body. You barely feel anything.

Who reads the results?

At ProActive Health Screening, your EKG is reviewed by a board-certified cardiologist and included in your written report alongside your other results.

Important: chest pain, fainting or severe shortness of breath need emergency care. Call 911. A screening is for people without symptoms.

EKG as part of a full screening

At our Tustin clinic, the EKG is one of four screenings in one 60-minute visit, along with a carotid artery ultrasound, an abdominal aorta ultrasound and an ABI test.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an EKG take?

The recording takes just a few minutes. Setup and removal add a few more.

What is a 12-lead EKG?

It's the standard clinical EKG. Ten electrodes create 12 views (leads) of your heart's electrical activity, which helps a physician see rhythm and conduction patterns from multiple directions.

Should I prepare?

Avoid lotion on your chest that day so the stickers stick well, and wear a top that's easy to open or remove.

Is EKG the same as ECG?

Yes. Both stand for electrocardiogram. "EKG" comes from the German spelling.

Want a look at your heart rhythm? Book your screening at proactivescreen.com.

This article is for general education and isn't medical advice. Talk with your doctor about which screenings are right for you.