Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram, also called an ECG or EKG, records the heart’s electrical activity, showing how fast it’s beating, whether your heartbeat is steady or irregular, and the strength and timing of electrical signals as they pass through each part of your heart.

How the test is performed

While you are lying down, the technologist will attach several small electrodes to your arms, legs, and chest. It may be necessary to shave or clip some hair so the electrodes will stick to the skin. The patches are connected by wires to a machine that turns the heart’s electrical signals into wavy lines, which will later be reviewed by your doctor.

How to prepare for the test

Make sure the technologist knows about all the medications you are taking, as some impact the test results.

How the test will feel

An ECG is painless. You usually need to remain still during the test and you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds as the test is being done. Any movement, including shivering, can alter the results, so it is important to be relaxed and relatively warm during an ECG recording.

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“It is with immense gratitude that we write to express our appreciation for our mother’s recent inpatient stay. Georgina was admitted through the ER and spent a few weeks on the inpatient medical unit before being transferred to Convalescent Care. She is 89 years of age. It is quite safe to say that her care at KDH was exemplary from her time in the ER to her organized discharge just over three months later. Our family would like to extend our warmest thanks to all the nurses, RPN's, and dietary staff who were involved in her care. We are also most grateful for the care and excellence provided to her daily by the Occupational Therapist and the Physiotherapy Team. KDH delivers excellence in the care of our aging population with a client-centred approach, with very driven teams, not only to complete daily tasks but to accomplish patient goals."

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