Electrocardiogram (EKG)

What is an EKG?

• An EKG is a record of your heart's electrical activity.

How is an EKG Done?

• Ten sensors are attached to your arms, legs, and chest (around the heart area).
• These sensors "listen" to your heartbeat and make a wave pattern on graph paper.
• Electrical impulses associated with heart contraction and relaxation are recorded.
• From the pattern on your EKG tracing, your doctor can check on how your heart is doing.

Why has my doctor ordered an EKG?

• Sometimes an EKG is ordered as part of a regular physical exam.
• To check up on a chest pain you may have told your doctor about.
• To follow the course of a heart condition or heart disease.

Will the EKG Hurt?

• An EKG is completely painless.
• No electricity goes into your body.
• There is no chance of electrical shock.

How long will it take to perform the EKG?

• No more than 20 minutes and usually much less.

What will the laboratory ask me to do?

• Undress ONLY to your waist (we require a bare chest to position the EKG sensors).
• Your pant legs must be rolled up to above the knees. Women are requested to remove pantyhose to allow placement of the EKG sensors.
• You can keep all jewelry on.
• Lie flat on your back on the EKG table (bed).
• RELAX!

What happens to my EKG tracing?

• The results of your EKG tracing will be returned to the doctor that ordered this test.
• Staff DO NOT give out EKG results.