What is an ECG?
An ECG is a tracing of the electrical activity that triggers each heartbeat. This should be recorded wherever possible with four wires attached to the arms and legs, and 6 wires attached across the chest. Patterns seen on the ECG can tell if a heart attack is happening or has happened and also roughly where in the heart the damage has occurred. The ECG is quite critical in assessing a heart rhythm disorder, the presence of any underlying heart problems, whether an arrhythmia is present, and whether it is a risky arrhythmia. Your own doctor or other medical attendant MUST organise an ECG immediately if you are having on-going symptoms of arrhythmia that are not transient.
