Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a quick, painless test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. It helps your care team see how your heart is working and is often one of the first steps in checking your heart health.

At Banner Health, we use EKGs every day to help people get clear answers about their hearts. Here’s what you can expect from the test, what it shows and how to take the next step.

What is an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)?

An electrocardiogram, or EKG/ECG, is a quick, painless test that checks your heart rhythm and activity. Small sticky pads called electrodes are placed on your skin to sense the electrical signals your heart makes when it beats.

These signals travel through wires to a machine that makes a graph. This graph shows your heartbeat and how well your heart is functioning. A normal heartbeat on an EKG shows how fast and regular your heart is beating, including both the upper and lower parts of your heart.

The machine prints out the signals so your health care provider can read them. The test only takes a few minutes and after it’s done you can go back to your normal activities.

Why would your provider order an electrocardiogram?

Your provider or a cardiologist (heart specialist) may order an EKG for many reasons. Some are routine, while others help explain symptoms you may be experiencing. It’s one of the most common heart tests.

You might get an EKG if you:

• Feel chest pain, pressure or tightness
• Notice a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat (flutter)
• Feeling short of breath or unusually tired
• Have dizziness, fainting or lightheadedness
• Are starting a medicine that can affect your heart
• Have a family history of heart problems
• Need a checkup before surgery

Sometimes your care team may want to recheck your heart over time, especially if you’re already being treated for a heart condition. An EKG gives them a clear, up-to-date view of how things are going.

What does an electrocardiogram show?

An EKG gives your care team a snapshot of your heart at that moment. It can help diagnose problems such as:

• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Signs of a past or current heart attack
• Enlargement of the heart (cardiomyopathy)
• Heart damage or heart failure 
• Heart valve disease
• Ischemia (poor blood flow to your heart muscle)
• A swelling of the sac around your heart (pericarditis)
• Congenital heart defects (heart conditions you are born with)

How do you prepare for an EKG?

There’s not much you need to do to prepare for an electrocardiogram. In most cases, you can eat, drink and take your usual medications before your EKG. Still, a few simple steps can help the test go smoothly:

• Wear a shirt that’s easy to take off or open
• Skip lotions, oils and powders on your chest that day
• Tell your provider about all the medications and supplements you take
• Try to arrive calm and rested; avoid exercise before the test

What to expect during an EKG

An EKG is a painless test. EKGs are safe for children, adults and pregnant people. Here’s what to expect from start to finish:

• You’ll lie on a table or bed at your provider’s office. You may be asked to remove your shirt or change into a gown.
• A technician will clean a few small spots on your chest, arms and legs so the sensors stick well.
• Small sticky pads called electrodes are placed on your skin. Most EKGs use about 10 pads. Thin wires connect them to a machine.
• You’ll rest quietly and breathe normally. The machine records your heart’s electrical signals.
• After a minute or two, the technician removes the pads. You might feel a slight tug as they come off.
• You won’t feel any shocks or electricity. The electrodes only listen to your heart. They don’t send anything into your body. 

How long does an electrocardiogram take?

A standard electrocardiogram (resting EKG) is quick. From the moment you lie down to the moment you sit back up, the whole test usually takes about five to 10 minutes. The actual recording lasts only a minute or two.

In some cases, your provider may want a longer look at your heart. If so, they might suggest a Holter monitor or event monitor. These small devices record your heart for a day or more while you go about your normal life.

What do your EKG results mean?

Electrocardiogram results will come back as either normal or abnormal. Most EKGs come back normal. 

If something looks different, it doesn’t always mean there’s a serious problem. Your provider may want to have further testing done. This could include another EKG, a stress test or an evaluation for a pacemaker.

Depending on your results, your provider may also recommend lifestyle changes and adjust medications or treatment plans.

Learn more about heart treatments.

How is an EKG different from other heart tests?

It’s easy to mix up heart tests because many of them sound alike. Here’s a way to tell them apart:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): Records your heart’s electrical activity. Quick, painless and done while you rest.
• Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. It shows the shape and size of your heart and how well it pumps blood.
• Stress test: Checks how your heart works when it’s busy. You walk on a treadmill or ride a bike while your heart is monitored. 

When should you talk to your provider about an electrocardiogram?

You should talk to your provider or a cardiologist if you have symptoms that may be related to your heart, such as:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath

Even without symptoms, an electrocardiogram may be part of routine care, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease. If you’re unsure, it’s always okay to ask. Early testing can bring peace of mind or help catch issues sooner.

Compassionate heart care at Banner Health

Our heart care teams at Banner Health are here to support you. Whether you need an EKG, follow-up testing or a second opinion, we’ll walk you through the process. We offer advanced diagnostic tools, convenient testing locations and coordinated care. 

If you have symptoms or need heart testing, schedule an electrocardiogram with Banner Health.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between an EKG and an ECG?

There is no difference. EKG and ECG refer to the same test. 

How long does an electrocardiogram take?

An EKG test usually takes about five to 10 minutes.

Does an EKG hurt?

No. It is a painless and non-invasive test.

Can stress or anxiety affect your EKG results?

It can. Stress, anxiety and even a fast-paced morning can slightly raise your heart rate. This usually doesn’t change what your EKG shows but it helps to take a few slow breaths and relax during the test.

Is a heart monitor the same as an EKG?

They’re related but not the same. An EKG is a short test, usually just a few minutes. A heart monitor, such as a Holter or event monitor, records your heart activity over hours or days while you go about your normal life. Both use similar sticky pads to listen to your heart.

Can an EKG diagnose all heart problems?

An EKG can detect certain heart problems but additional tests may be needed.

Can a smartwatch or fitness tracker detect an irregular heartbeat?

Some smartwatches and fitness trackers can alert you to changes in your heart rate or rhythm. While these devices can provide helpful information, they cannot replace an EKG performed by a medical provider. If your device shows unusual readings or you notice symptoms, talk to your provider.