Electrocardiography is the test that was previously abbreviated as EKG but that is now more commonly called the ECG. You've probably had one every year since you got your first "baseline" a long time ago as part of your annual physical. Now, however, the United States Preventive Task Force (USPTF) has recommended that people who don't have any symptoms of heart disease and are at low risk for heart problems should not be screened with an ECG.
The recommendation was published online in the Annals of Internal Medicine. It is based on a review of the USPTF 2004 report that showed no evidence that screening low-risk people reduced the incidence of heart disease. What's more, the review indicated that screening asymptomatic men and women could end up resulting in unnecessary tests, procedures, and treatment. "Therefore, the USPSTF concluded with moderate certainty that screening ECG provides no net benefit to asymptomatic, low-risk patients," the guidance states.
Bearing in mind the phrase "moderate certainty," though, you might do well to consult with your own physician as to the advisability of having an annual ECG in your specific case.
