Tracing the heart’s electrical signature
Some primary care providers include an ECG as part of an annual physical exam. Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against routine ECGs in people at low risk of heart disease. But what about people at higher risk, such as those with high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, or even just advancing age? For them, the jury's still out, according to the USPSTF. One possible reason: the task force set a high bar — looking for conclusive proof that a routine ECG led directly to an improvement in outcomes, such as complications related to coronary artery blockages.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.