An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test for checking the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.  Sensors attached to the skin pick up electrical signals generated by the heart that are converted by the machine and printed on paper as tracings.

ECGs are important in the detection of such conditions as arrhythmia – the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly, coronary heart disease – the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances, heart attacks – the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, cardiomyopathy – the heart walls become thickened or enlarged.