I’m Having an EKG Soon. What Should I Do First?

Your heartbeat might sound simple or basic, but a lot goes on inside your heart to create that thumping sound. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) displays this information on a graph, allowing your doctor to detect issues that affect your heart’s rhythm. 

At Westminster Family Healthcare in Westminster, Colorado, our board-certified family physicians utilize EKG testing to assess your heart health and associated risks. Clifton Etienne, MD, Michael Cavanagh, MD, and Flora Brewington, MD, tell you why you need an EKG, what to expect, and how to prepare. 

During your visit

Our team at Westminster Family Healthcare might recommend an EKG after evaluating you during an annual wellness visit. They might recommend an EKG to see if you’re ready for surgery or if your pacemaker is working properly. 

Sometimes, we use an EKG to investigate specific heart-related symptoms more closely. You might benefit from an EKG if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• A fast or fluttering heartbeat
• Blue hands and feet
• Fainting or passing out

Multiple conditions can cause symptoms like these. An EKG can help rule out or diagnose heart problems, such as arrhythmia (an irregular heart rhythm), heart valve problems, or an enlarged heart chamber. If you have a pacemaker, you might experience symptoms if it isn’t working properly.

Preparing for an EKG

If your doctor recommends an EKG, there are a few steps you can take to prepare so the test goes smoothly:

• Avoid using lotions that could keep the electrodes from attaching to your skin
• Remove your jewelry
• Avoid strenuous exercise or other activities that raise your heart rate 
• Drink only lukewarm water before the test, not cold
• Shave your chest

You might need to remove your shirt for the test, so be sure to wear something loose and easy to take off. You can eat and drink as usual leading up to your EKG. 

What to expect during an EKG

Your provider sticks 12 electrodes with adhesive backings to your chest and limbs, with six on your chest and six on your arms and legs. These electrodes are attached via wires to a machine that tracks your heart’s electrical activity.

Depending on the type of EKG you get, you either lie still or walk on a treadmill. If you’re on a treadmill, the EKG test is commonly referred to as a stress test. 

On a nearby monitor, you can see a graph that shows the electrical impulses creating your heartbeat. You won’t feel any pain or electrical shocks during the test. The electrodes are only there to record electrical activity. 

Your provider can examine the graph immediately to look for any irregularities compared to a typical, healthy heartbeat. 

Get in touch

If you have specific concerns about your heart or are due for an annual wellness visit, it’s always a good idea to keep in touch with your primary care provider. To find out if you can benefit from an EKG, call our office today to book an appointment or schedule one online anytime.