An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG translates the heart’s electrical activity into line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the line tracings are called waves.

The heart is made up of four chambers. The upper chambers are called atria, and the lower chambers are called ventricles. A natural electrical system causes the heart muscle to contract and pump blood through the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body. The spikes and dips on an EKG in the line tracings are called waves.  Through this testing process, the provider will be able to determine the cause of any health issues or irregularities, which might need to be addressed.