Electrocardiogram

What to Expect

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be used - An EKG may be performed almost anywhere, as the equipment is very compact and portable. Thus, you may have an EKG done in your physician's office, the EKG department of a hospital or clinic, in a procedure or testing area, in the Emergency Department, or even in a hospital room or bed. The equipment used includes the EKG machine, skin electrodes, and lead wires, which attach the electrodes to the EKG machine. You will lie flat on a table or bed for the procedure. It will be important for you to lie still and not talk during the procedure, so as not to interfere with the tracing.
  
  
• Anesthesia - None required.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:
  
  
  • The EKG technician will ask you to remove your shirt or blouse, and will ensure your privacy by covering you with a sheet or gown and exposing only the necessary skin.
    
    
  • If your chest, arms, or legs are very hairy, the technician may shave very small patches, as needed, so that the electrodes will stick closely to the skin.
    
    
  • Electrodes will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs.
    
    
  • The lead wires will be attached to the skin electrodes.
    
    
  • Once the leads are attached, the technician may key in identifying information about you into the machine's computer.
    
    
  • The EKG is started. It will take approximately 5 minutes or less for the tracing to be completed.
    
    
  • Once the tracing is completed, the technician will disconnect the leads and remove the skin electrodes. You may then put on your shirt or blouse.
    
    
  • When the procedure is completed, you may leave unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
    
    
• Procedure time - The entire procedure normally takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. However, events such as schedule delays, emergencies, and other factors may delay the start of your procedure, or prolong the length of it.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - There is normally no recovery necessary after this procedure.
  
  
• Length of stay - No hospital stay is necessary, unless your physician determines that your condition requires further observation or hospital admission.
  
  
• Recuperation time - None.
  
  
• Outcome - Depending on the results of the EKG, additional tests or procedures may be scheduled for further diagnostic information.

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