What Is an ECG and Why Is It Done?

Primary diagnostic technology for measuring cardiac electrical activity and rhythm tracking.

What Is an ECG?

An ECG, or Electrocardiogram, is a simple, painless test that captures and records the minute electrical signals generated during each heartbeat using electrodes placed on the skin.

This procedure plots your heart rate and heart rhythm as a continuous waveform graph, allowing physicians to analyze cardiac function quickly.

Why Do Doctors Recommend an ECG?

Heart Attack and Chest Pain

If a patient experiences severe chest pain, left arm pain, or shortness of breath, an ECG is the primary diagnostic step to rapidly identify a heart attack.

Irregular Heartbeat

If you experience heart palpitations, abnormally rapid heart rate (Tachycardia), or slow heart rate (Bradycardia), an ECG helps diagnose underlying arrhythmias.

Pre-Surgery Evaluation and Pacemaker Check

An ECG is routinely performed before major surgery to assess heart fitness, as well as to monitor device functionality in patients with cardiac pacemakers.

Preparation Before the Test

Chest Hair Trimming

For male patients with thick chest hair, electrode pads may not adhere directly to the skin, making signal collection difficult. Trimming or shaving small areas of the chest may be necessary.

Avoid Body Oils or Lotions

Do not apply body oil, moisturizer, or lotion to your chest, arms, or legs on the day of the test. These products interfere with adhesive electrode placement and signal transmission.

Temporarily Remove Metallic Accessories

Metallic objects such as neck chains, heavy watches, rings, or belts can interfere with ECG signals. It is best to remove them before entering the test room.

Stay Calm and Relaxed

Anxiety, stress, or walking rapidly can temporarily elevate your heart rate. Rest calmly for 5 to 10 minutes before the test and breathe normally during the procedure.

Estimated Cost of ECG Test in Bangladesh

Test Name Government Hospital Private Diagnostic Center
Resting ECG (12-Lead Standard ECG) ৳ 100 - ৳ 200 ৳ 400 - ৳ 500
Stress ECG / ETT (Exercise Heart Rate Tracking) ৳ 2,500 - ৳ 3,000 ৳ 5,000 - ৳ 6,000
Holter Monitoring (24–72 Hour Continuous Tracking) ৳ 1,500 - ৳ 2,500 ৳ 4,500 - ৳ 6,000

Normal Blood Circulation and Heart Rate Ranges

60 - 100

Normal Resting Heart Rate (BPM)

What Is Heart Rate and Blood Circulation?

A healthy adult’s resting heart rate typically ranges between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM). An ECG evaluates whether this rate and rhythm are within healthy parameters.

 

Blood Pumping Explained Simply:

The volume of blood your heart pumps throughout your body per minute depends on two primary factors:

  1. Stroke Volume (amount of blood pumped per beat)

  2. Heart Rate (number of beats per minute)

 

Key Information:

An ECG test is completely painless and takes only 3 to 5 minutes to complete.

Do you have any questions?

An ECG is an essential, life-saving initial diagnostic tool. Do not ignore chest discomfort or palpitations as simple acidity; get tested promptly for peace of mind.

Need help? Chat with us!