What is an EKG?

Q: Can you explain what an EKG is? Why do I have one each time I get a physical?

A: An EKG is an electrocardiogram. This test measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to find out if your heart rate and rhythm are normal. It also can reveal evidence of heart disease and/or heart damage and can monitor the effect of medicines used to treat heart disease.

Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., is director of nuclear cardiology and associate professor of clinical medicine at New York University. She’s also a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association.