As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain the significance of an abnormal EKG. An EKG, or electrocardiogram, is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It's a crucial diagnostic tool that helps healthcare providers understand how well the heart is functioning. When an EKG shows an abnormality, it can mean a variety of things. In some cases, an abnormal EKG may simply reflect a normal variation in the heart's rhythm that is not harmful and does not require any treatment. This is known as a normal variant and is not a cause for concern. However, an abnormal EKG can also indicate a serious health issue that requires immediate attention. For instance, it can signal a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. Additionally, an abnormal EKG can reveal a dangerous arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to a variety of complications, including stroke or heart failure. It's important to note that the interpretation of an EKG should be left to a qualified healthcare professional who can consider the patient's medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic information to determine the appropriate course of action. read more >>

An electrocardiogram (EKG) measures your heart's electrical activity. ... Sometimes an EKG abnormality is a normal variation of a heart's rhythm, which does not affect your health. Other times, an abnormal EKG can signal a medical emergency, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or a dangerous arrhythmia.read more >>