US Medical Term · tests
EKG / ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Electrocardiograma (ECG/EKG)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | EKG / ECG (Electrocardiogram) |
| Spanish (Español) | Electrocardiograma (ECG/EKG) |
| Chinese (中文) | 心電圖 |
| Korean (한국어) | 심전도 (EKG/ECG) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Điện tâm đồ (ECG) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | EKG / ECG |
| Portuguese (Português) | Eletrocardiograma (ECG) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | คลื่นไฟฟ้าหัวใจ (EKG) |
| Japanese (日本語) | 心電図（ECG） |
What it means
An EKG or ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart and records it as a series of waves on paper or a screen. Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. The wires attached to the electrodes detect your heart's electrical signals without sending any electricity into your body. The test is completely painless and takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will need to lie still and breathe normally. An EKG can detect irregular heart rhythms, evidence of a previous or current heart attack, and other cardiac conditions. It is often done as a routine health screening or before surgery. No special preparation is needed.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Will the EKG electrodes hurt when they remove them from my skin?
¿Dolerán los electrodos del ECG cuando los quiten de mi piel?
My EKG showed an abnormal rhythm — what does that mean?
Mi electrocardiograma mostró un ritmo anormal — ¿qué significa eso?
Do I need to stop any medications before my EKG?
¿Debo suspender algún medicamento antes de mi electrocardiograma?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026