How is ekg done

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Topic Contents What is it? Why is this test done? How do you prepare for the test? How is the test done? What are the risks of the test? How long does the test take? What happens after the test? Where can you learn more? The electrodes are sticky patches with wires that connect to a monitor.

They record the electrical signals that make your heart beat. A computer records the information and displays it as waves on a monitor or on paper. You can breathe normally during the test, but you will need to lie still. Make sure you're warm and ready to lie still. Moving, talking or shivering may distort the test results.

A standard ECG takes a few minutes. Your doctor may discuss your results with you the same day as your electrocardiogram or at your next appointment. If your electrocardiogram is normal, you may not need any other tests. If the results show an abnormality with your heart, you may need another ECG or other diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram. Treatment depends on what's causing your signs and symptoms. Your doctor will review the information recorded by the ECG machine and look for any problems with your heart, including:.

If your doctor finds any problems on your ECG , he or she may order additional tests to see if treatment is necessary. Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. The procedure only takes about three minutes. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

You don't need any special preparations for an EKG test. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If your results were not normal, it may mean you have one of the following disorders: Arrhythmia A heartbeat that is too fast or too slow Inadequate blood supply to the heart A bulge in the heart's walls.

This bulge is known as an aneurysm. Thickening of the heart's walls A heart attack Results can show if you've had a heart attack in the past or if you are having an attack during the EKG. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

References American Heart Association [Internet]. The Nemours Foundation; c— ECG Electrocardiogram ; [cited Nov 3]; [about 2 screens]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— The test is used to measure: Any damage to the heart How fast your heart is beating and whether it is beating normally The size and position of your heart chambers The effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart such as a pacemaker It is usually the first test done to determine if a person has heart disease.

Your doctor may order this test if: You have chest pain or palpitations You are scheduled for surgery You have had heart problems in the past You have a family history of heart disease How to prepare for an EKG Make sure your doctor knows about any medications you are taking, as some can interfere with the test results. Some male patients may need to have small areas of their chest shaved because hair on the chest will not allow the electrodes to stick to the skin How is an electrocardiogram performed?

During the test, you will lie down then several sticky patches called electrodes will be placed on your arms, chest, and legs to check the heart rate, rhythm, and electrical activity of your heart The electrodes will be connected to a machine that will record the electrical activity of your heart You will be asked to relax, lie still and breathe normally while the electrodes record information onto a moving strip of paper The test is painless, no electricity is sent through the body The test only takes a few minutes After the Electrocardiogram After your EKG, you may go on with your usual activities.

Patient Portal.