What is electrocardiogram (ECG)?

Electric activity governs mechanical pumping action of heart. This electrical activity can be recorded on a graph paper and it is called as ECG.

What is importance of Electrocardiogram?

Variety of heart diseases produce unique Electrocardiogram pattern. It gives a valuable insight into what is happening into heart and help to come to a diagnosis.
In which conditions I should ask for an ECG:

1) Chest pain, tightness
2) Palpitations , very fast heart rate
3) Missed beats
4) Breathlessness
5) Syncope or faint
6) Evaluation before surgery especially cardiac or major non cardiac
7) Suspected congenital heart defect
8) Edema : swelling over body
9) Family screening in case of hereditary problems ( Cardiomyopathy, channelopathy long QT/Short QT, CPVT, etc)
10) Fitness for participation in competitive sports etc.
The list is not complete and neither exhaustive.

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