Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG, sometimes referred to as an EKG, records the electrical activity of the heart.

How to Prepare

Please arrive for this outpatient procedure at the time and location given to you.

This test requires no special preparation. You may eat and drink as usual and remain active right up until the time of your test.

What to Expect

Once you are settled in your room, you will be asked to disrobe and put on a hospital gown. Do not bring any jewelry or other valuables to the hospital the day of your procedure.

As you recline on a table in an examination room, a technologist will place small disks (electrodes) on your chest with a toothpaste-like gel. The electrodes are connected to a monitor that will then record the activity of your heart.

This test takes 15 minutes to complete and is painless. You may resume your normal activities immediately.