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An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test which measures the electrical activity of your heart to show
whether or not it is working normally.
An ECG records the heart’s rhythm and activity on a moving strip of paper or a line on a screen. Your
doctor can read and interpret the peaks and dips on paper or screen to see if there is any abnormal or
unusual activity.
Leads from an electrocardiograph machine are attached to the skin on your arms, legs and chest using
sticky patches. These leads read signals from your heart and send this information to the
electrocardiograph. The machine then prints the reading on a paper strip or on a screen.
Resting ECG – if your doctor is interests in how your heart is working while you are at rest, you will
be asked to lie down and relax while the heartbeat is being recorded.
Exercise ECG – your doctor may be interested in how your heart reacts to activity and you will be
asked to walk or run on a treadmill or cycle on an exercise bike while your heartbeat is recorded.
24-hour ECG – sometimes it can be helpful to monitor your heartbeat throughout the day, in which
case you will be asked to wear a small electrocardiograph machine. The recordings from the
machine are then read by your doctor when you return the machine.
Source:
http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Medicaltests/ECG