What Is an Electrocardiogram		An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) provides valuable information about your heart and how it is working. An EKG accurately records your heart rate, heartbeat irregularities, heart size, any heart damage, and the effects of medication(s).
How Does it Work?		Your heart regularly sends out electrical impulses that cause it to beat. An EKG records this electrical activity by picking up the impulses from the skin through sensitive disks (electrodes) and charting them on graph paper. The patterns formed on the graph paper tell your doctor how your heart is working.
Before the EKG		Before your exam, a technician will ask you to undress from the waist up (women will also be asked to remove pantyhose) and you will be given a gown to wear. A clear jelly may be applied to your skin and then the electrodes will be attached by suction to your arms, legs, and chest.
During the EKG		Relax and breathe normally. The entire process in painless and should take no more than 10 minutes. You may talk during the EKG, but you should lie still. Movement or muscles that are too tense might cause a poor quality EKG that is difficult to interpret.
After the EKG		There are no side effects. The jelly used will be wiped off your skin, and you can get dressed. If any jelly remains on your skin or gets on your clothing, it can easily be washed off.