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ECG
ECG · EKG · electrocardiogram · heart tracing
A recording of your heart's electrical activity. Small pads are stuck on your skin. No electricity goes into you. It is safe.
For chest pain, skipped beats, shortness of breath, checkups, and before surgery.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 to 10 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Preparation. No special prep needed. Do not put lotion or oil on your chest. The pads stick less well.
- Before the test. Do not rush in. Sit for 5 minutes to let your pulse settle.
- Clothes. Wear something comfortable. Your chest, wrists, and ankles need to be bare. Tights are best avoided.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Past ECGs, to compare
How it goes
- You lie on your back with your chest, wrists, and ankles bare
- Gel or sticky pads called electrodes are put on your skin
- Lie still and do not talk for about a minute
- The machine prints the recording, and the pads are removed
What you'll feel
- Nothing, except maybe the cool gel
Afterwards
- You get the reading right away, or it goes to your doctor
- You can go back to your day straight away
Contact a doctor straight away if
- If you have chest pain right now, do not wait for the test. Call emergency services
Common questions
Will an ECG give me an electric shock?
No. The machine only records your heart's tiny signals. It sends nothing into your body.