ECG Test Overview

What Is an ECG Test?

An ECG (Electrocardiogram) test is a quick, painless, and non-invasive procedure that records the electrical activity of your heart. Small electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to detect and measure the tiny electrical signals your heart produces each time it beats.

These signals are displayed as wave patterns on a graph, allowing doctors to see how fast and regularly your heart is beating. The ECG helps identify heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), signs of a heart attack, and structural or conduction problems that may affect heart function.

The most common form, known as a 12-lead ECG, uses ten electrodes to record electrical signals from twelve angles, giving a complete picture of your heart’s rhythm, rate, and blood supply. This simple test is widely used for both diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of heart health.

What Does an ECG Test Measure?

• Heart Rate: Determines how fast your heart is beating, usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
• Heart Rhythm: Checks if your heartbeat is regular or irregular, helping identify arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation.
• Electrical Conduction: Evaluates how electrical impulses travel through your heart chambers.
• Blood and Oxygen Supply: Detects reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which may indicate coronary artery disease.
• Heart Structure: Provides information about chamber enlargement, thickening, or other structural issues.

ECG Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done

What Symptoms May Call for an ECG Test?

Your doctor may recommend an ECG test if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeats (palpitations)
• Dizziness, fainting, or shortness of breath
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Swelling in your feet or ankles

Who Should Get an ECG Test?

You may be advised to undergo an ECG test if you:

• Have symptoms suggesting a heart problem
• Have a personal or family history of heart disease
• Are living with diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol
• Are taking medications that affect heart rhythm
• Are undergoing pre-surgical assessment or cardiac monitoring

Why Is an ECG Test Done?

An ECG test helps detect and monitor heart disease. It provides essential information about your heart rate, rhythm, and electrical activity, which can assist your doctor in diagnosing arrhythmias, heart attacks, or poor blood flow.

Importance of an ECG Test

• An ECG test is one of the quickest and most reliable ways to assess heart health.
• It helps identify early warning signs of cardiac conditions before they become serious.
• Regular ECG testing can detect silent heart problems, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and prevent complications by enabling timely medical intervention.

ECG Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book the ECG Test and Get Your Reports

1. Simple Online Booking
   Visit the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Search for the ECG Test, choose a convenient time slot, and select either home testing or a lab visit.
2. Sample Tracking and Processing
   Track your test status through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app while your ECG is securely processed.
3. Accurate Test Analysis
   Your ECG data is analysed by experienced cardiology specialists using advanced digital systems for precise interpretation.
4. Quick & Easy Reports
   Reports are delivered within 6 hours through email, WhatsApp, or can be downloaded directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for ECG Test Available Near You?

ECG testing at home is available at select locations. Please contact our customer helpline at 9982-782-555 and our Medical Advisor will guide you.

How Long Does It Take to Get an ECG Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 6 hours after your test is completed.
Note: Reporting time may vary slightly based on your location and specialist review requirements.

Where Can I See or Get ECG Test Results?

You can access your ECG test results through multiple options:

• Log in to the Metropolis Healthcare website or mobile app
• Receive results by email or WhatsApp
• Collect a printed report directly from your nearest Metropolis Lab

Interpreting ECG Test Results

What Your ECG Test Results May Indicate

Understanding Abnormal ECG Test Results by Parameter

How Should You Prepare for an ECG Test

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy electrode placement.
• Avoid applying oils, lotions, or powders on your chest on the day of the test.
• Inform your technician about all medicines you are taking.
• Stay calm and avoid vigorous activity just before the test.
• Arrive a few minutes early to relax before your appointment.

How Is an ECG Test Done (Step-by-Step Procedure)

• You will lie comfortably on an examination bed.
• The technician will attach ten small sticky electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs.
• These electrodes connect to wires that transmit your heart’s electrical signals to the ECG machine.
• The machine records the signals for about 10 seconds.
• After recording, the electrodes are removed and you can resume normal activities immediately.

The procedure is safe, quick, and completely painless.

Conditions That May Affect ECG Test Accuracy

Certain factors can temporarily affect ECG results. Be aware of the following before your test:

• Improper electrode placement or loose connections
• Body movement or muscle tremors during the recording
• Skin creams or oils that interfere with electrode contact
• Medications that alter heart rate or rhythm
• Obesity, excessive body hair, or poor skin contact
• Electrical interference from nearby devices

Diseases That an ECG Test Can Help Detect

An ECG test can help diagnose and monitor:

• Heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias)
• Heart attack or coronary artery disease
• Heart muscle thickening (hypertrophy)
• Pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining)
• Heart failure
• Congenital heart defects
• Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium or calcium abnormalities)

References

1. Surawicz B., Knilans T. K. (2008). Chou’s Electrocardiography in Clinical Practice: Adult and Pediatric. Elsevier Health Sciences.
2. Wagner G. S., et al. (2009). Marriott’s Practical Electrocardiography, 11th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
3. Thygesen K., et al. (2018). Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (2018). Circulation, 138(20), e618–e651. PMID: 30571511
4. Rautaharju P. M., et al. (2009). Normal standards for ECG measurements in adults. J Electrocardiol, 42(1), 35–40. PMID: 18602897