Electrocardiogram

ECG (Electrocardiogram), EKG (Electrocardiogram)

How To Prepare

Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the non-prescription and prescription medicines you take. If you take heart medicines, your doctor will tell you how to take your medicines before you have this test.

Remove all jewellery from your neck, arms, and wrists. Men are usually bare-chested during the test. Women may often wear a bra, T-shirt, or gown. If you are wearing stockings, you should take them off. You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information formClick here to view a form.(What is a PDF document?).


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Author: Douglas Dana
Robin Parks, MS
Last Updated: May 21, 2008
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits