What is an Electrocardiogram?

3. Types of EKG

EKG monitoring may consist of a brief sample, such as the instantly recognizable paper chart. Alternatively, the physician may choose to monitor and record data for the duration of a procedure such as surgery or stress testing. Mobile monitors worn by patients record signals that enable doctors to evaluate heart functioning during longer-term events. These can capture brief reactions to stress, abnormalities upon waking, and other rare events which may not occur during a brief clinical visit. EKGs are also recorded and evaluated by field personnel such as ambulance EMTs to initiate treatment on the way to a hospital.

sudok1 / Getty Images