An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the heart's electrical activity via skin electrodes, producing waveforms that reveal rhythm and conduction. It helps detect arrhythmias, ischemia, prior infarct, or structural abnormalities. In underwriting, ECG results-resting or exercise-inform cardiac risk, especially with chest pain history, syncope, or abnormal exams. ECG is quick, noninvasive, and often part of insurer-ordered exams or medical records, guiding further requirements like echocardiography or stress testing.

Field underwriting flags cardiac histories that warrant an ECG, especially for older ages or suspected arrhythmia. Carriers may accept a recent resting ECG from the physician or order a new one through exam vendors. Abnormal tracings can prompt stress tests, echocardiograms, or postponement. Advisors use ECG results to set expectations on rate class and timing.