Table of Contents
Is an ECG serious?
An electrocardiogram is a safe procedure. There is no risk of electrical shock during the test because the electrodes used do not produce electricity. The electrodes only record the electrical activity of your heart.
When should I be concerned about an ECG?
An abnormal EKG can mean many things. Sometimes an EKG abnormality is a normal variation of a heart’s rhythm, which does not affect your health. Other times, an abnormal EKG can signal a medical emergency, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or a dangerous arrhythmia.
What is the risk of an ECG?
Risks associated with ECG are minimal and rare. You will not feel anything during the ECG, but it may be uncomfortable when the sticky electrodes are taken off. If the electrode patches are left on too long they may cause tissue breakdown or skin irritation.
What can be diagnosed from an ECG?
An ECG can help detect:
- arrhythmias – where the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly.
- coronary heart disease – where the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances.
- heart attacks – where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked.
What happens if ECG is abnormal?
An abnormal ECG can mean many things. Sometimes an ECG abnormality is a normal variation of a heart’s rhythm, which does not affect your health. Other times, an abnormal ECG can signal a medical emergency, such as a myocardial infarction /heart attack or a dangerous arrhythmia.
How can you tell the difference between anxiety and heart problems?
Differences Between Anxiety and Heart Problems
- The chest pain from an anxiety attack is sharper and more localized, while the pain from a heart attack is duller and radiates more.
- Anxiety attacks stem from a mental and not a physical cause.
- Anxiety attacks rarely cause vomiting.