About Having an ECG (Electrocardiogram or EKG)

What is an ECG (Electrocardiogram or EKG)?

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

How is an ECG Done?

  • Ten sensors are attached to your arms, legs, and chest (around the heart area).
  • This is indicated with a square and circle symbol on the following diagram:

  • 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 ECG tracing, your doctor can check on how your heart is doing

Why has my doctor ordered an ECG?

  • Sometimes an ECG 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 ECG Hurt?

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

Do I need an appointment for an ECG?

  • Appointments are strongly recommended.  You will require a laboratory requisition completed by your doctor ordering an ECG. 

What information will the laboratory need from me?

  • Your name, address, date of birth, and personal health number.

How long will it take to perform the ECG?

  • 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 ECG sensors).
  • Your pant legs must be rolled up to above the knees. Women are requested to remove pantyhose to allow placement of the ECG sensors.
  • You can keep all jewelry on.
  • Lie flat on your back on the ECG table (bed).
  • RELAX!

What does an ECG tracing look like?


(Sample only) 

What happens to my ECG tracing?

  • Your ECG tracing is read by a cardiologist (doctor who specializes in the heart).
  • The results of your ECG tracing will be returned to the doctor that ordered this test, usually within one week.
  • Electrocardiogram Protocol: patients suspected of having an acute coronary syndrome or serious arrhythmia should not be sent to a laboratory for an ECG and/or tests for cardiac markers. Rather, they should be sent to the nearest hospital emergency department.  A Priority Interpretation (PI) is available for patients requiring an urgent report. PI ECG reporting will be available from our default reader within 2 hours Monday - Friday if performed before 4:00 pm. PI ECGs requested after 4:00 pm and on weekends or stat holidays will be read on the next business day. If other cardiologist is designated to read PI ECG, arrangements are the responsibility of the requesting physician.
  • Laboratory staff DO NOT give out ECG results.

Where can I get an ECG?