Anelectrocardiogram (ECG) is an instrumental examination to monitor the heartbeat pattern and its electrical activity. The electrocardiograph, or the instrument used to perform the electrocardiogram, produces an electrocardiographic trace in which the patient’s cardiac activity is represented by waves.
It is then up to the Cardiologist to interpret the tracing produced during the electrocardiogram performed by the patient.
The electrocardiogram is also used to check the proper functioning of cardiac devices such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
You can perform this examination at rest (resting ECG) or understress (exercise ECG). However, it should be emphasized that not all patients can undergo an exercise electrocardiogram.
There are no differences in performing the electrocardiogram on children or adults, what changes in the two situations is theinterpretation of the results of the electrocardiographic trace: an ECG in the normal range for a child has different characteristics than an ECG in the normal range for an adult.
The electrocardiogram (both resting and stress) is also performed during examinations for the issuance ofcertificates for fitness for sports activities and during cardiology examinations .
