12 Lead Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Purpose

The 12 Lead Electrocardiogram (EKG) checks the health of your heart by seeing if you have irregular and/or dangerous heart beats.

Test

It measures the electrical activity of your heart and takes 5 - 10 minutes. Ten pads are put on your chest, arms and legs. Then a special recording machine is hooked to the pads and a reading of your heart rate and rhythm is printed on paper.

Important Points:

• The test is painless, has no risks and is often routine before surgery
• You’ll be asked to loosen or remove your clothes from the waist up
• Please tell the technician if you’re wearing any cream, lotion or powder. This must be removed to get a good reading
• Check in at the Admitting Office before coming to the Outpatient Testing Room to have your EKG completed
• Outpatient EKGs are completed Monday through Friday, 8 am until 4:30 pm. NO appointment is necessary.

Call the Cardiopulmonary Department if you have questions at 252-808-6195.