Electrocardiogram (EKG) ~ What's Next

Before:

• Once your need for an EKG is determined, your physician will give you an order for the test. You may take the order to any Roper or Bon Secours St. Francis Hospitals to have your test performed. An appointment is not necessary for this test.
• No special preparation is needed for an EKG.

During:

• You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up and lie down on a bed or stretcher. Electrodes will be attached to your chest, arms and legs. It may be necessary to shave small patches of hair for electrode placement. Once the electrodes are placed, a recording is made and printed on a graph for interpretation. The entire test takes only a few minutes.

After:

• Resume normal activities unless otherwise instructed by your physician.