Pemeriksaan EKG: Apa yang Dilihat Dokter?

08 December 2025 4 min read

EKG: Preparation, Process, & What the Results Mean

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick, non-invasive, and painless test that measures the heart's electrical activity. By attaching electrodes to the chest, arms, and legs, doctors can assess heart rhythm, heart rate, and early signs of impaired blood flow to the heart.

Although it may seem simple and only takes a few minutes, an ECG is often an important first step in assessing chest pain, palpitations, dizziness/fainting, or monitoring patients at risk for heart disease.

When Should an ECG Be Performed?

A doctor may recommend an EKG in the following situations:

Chest pain or discomfort (including those resembling heartburn).
Pounding, skipping beats, a fast, or irregular heartbeat.
Dizziness, fainting, or fainting for no apparent reason.
Unusual shortness of breath or fatigue during mild activity.
- Screening and monitoring: In patients with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or heavy smoking.
- Before certain surgeries (pre-operatively).
- To monitor the effects of medications that affect the heart.
Periodic checkups in patients with a history of heart disease, after a heart attack, or after stent/bypass surgery.

An ECG is often the first-line test to determine whether further tests such as echocardiography, stress testing, or other tests are necessary.

The ECG Exam Process: Quick & Painless

Broadly speaking, the procedure goes like this:

1. Brief Preparation

You will be asked to lie down on an examination table.
The technician may ask you to remove any metal accessories around your neck or wrists and remove your top (a blanket or cover will be provided).
The skin on your chest, arms, and ankles may be cleaned or gelled to allow the electrodes to adhere properly.

2. Electrode Installation

Several small wires with electrodes are attached to the chest, arms, and legs.
No electricity is “injected” into the body; the device simply records the heart's electrical activity.

3.ECG Recording

You will be asked to remain still and breathe normally for a few seconds.
The ECG machine will print a recording of the waveform on paper or a screen.
The total time for the procedure to complete is usually only about 5–10 minutes, depending on the condition.

4. After the inspection

The electrodes are removed, the skin is cleaned, and you can return to your normal activities (unless there are complaints that require treatment in the emergency room/hospitalization).

What Does a Doctor See on an EKG?

From the ECG recording, the doctor assesses several important things:

1. Heart Rhythm

Whether the rhythm originates from the sinus node (normal rhythm) or from another source.
The presence or absence of arrhythmias: for example, atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia, extra beats (PVCs/PACs), etc.

2.Frequency and regularity of data

Is the heart beating too fast, too slow, or irregularly.

3. Electrical transmission disturbance

The presence of a block (AV block, bundle branch block) indicates a disturbance in the heart's electrical conduction system.

4. Gross signs of ischemia or infarction (lack of blood flow)

Certain changes in the ST segment and T wave can indicate ischemia (lack of oxygen) or infarction (damage to the heart muscle).
This is especially important in cases of acute chest pain.

5. Enlargement of the heart chambers and other conditions

Certain patterns may indicate enlargement of the heart chambers (atrial/ventricular) or electrolyte disturbances.
Sometimes, side effects of certain medications on the heart are seen.

Often the doctor will also compare the new EKG with the old EKG if available, to see if there are any new changes.

ECG Limitations: When Is Further Testing Necessary?

Although very useful, the ECG has limitations:

A normal ECG doesn't always mean a 100% healthy heart.

Some blood flow disturbances or arrhythmias can be intermittent and not visible on the recording.
Mild or very early abnormalities are sometimes not apparent on a regular resting ECG.

An ECG is a "snapshot" of the heart's electrical activity at a specific point in time.

To assess the heart's response to activity, a cardiac exercise test (treadmill) is sometimes necessary.
To assess the structure and pumping function of the heart, an echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound) is required.
To view the coronary blood vessels in more detail, a coronary CT scan or cardiac catheterization may be necessary.

Therefore, an ECG is almost always evaluated in the context of the symptoms, physical examination, and risk factors. If the results and symptoms are inconsistent, the doctor will consider additional tests.

QnA: Frequently Asked Questions about ECG

1. Is an ECG painful or dangerous?

No. An ECG is painless, uses no radiation, and does not inject electricity into the body. The electrodes simply record the heart's natural electrical activity.

2. How long does it take to get ECG results?

The ECG recording appears within seconds, and the doctor can provide an initial interpretation relatively quickly. In complex cases, the ECG can also be reviewed by a cardiologist.

3. If my ECG is normal, why does the doctor still recommend further tests?

Because my symptoms and risk factors are also important. If strong symptoms suggest a heart problem, the doctor may still need further testing even if the resting ECG appears normal.

4. Is it necessary to have an ECG routinely, for example, every year?

Not everyone needs an annual ECG. However, for patients with risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol) or those with a history of heart disease, the doctor may recommend periodic ECGs as part of monitoring.

5. Do I need to fast before an ECG?

For a regular (resting) ECG, no special fasting is required. However, if there are other examinations planned at the same time (for example blood tests, heart stress tests), the officer will explain additional preparations.

If you're experiencing chest pain, palpitations, dizziness/fainting, or have heart risk factors and would like an initial evaluation, you can book an ECG at Premier Jatinegara Hospital.
Our team will help you: