Heart Institute Encyclopedia

An electrocardiogram can be done on hospital inpatients or outpatients. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center performs electrocardiograms on outpatients at the main hospital on the fourth floor of the Location C (Outpatient Services Building).

Electrocardiograms are also performed at all Cincinnati Children's neighborhood clinics by appointment.

After registration, an electrocardiogram technician or nurse will take the patient into a room and have the patient take off his / her shirt and lie down on an examination table or bed. Twelve stickers called electrodes are attached to the chest, shoulders and each leg. A wire will then be attached to each electrode.

After the patient is very still and relaxed, the technician will press a button on the electrocardiogram machine and the recording will be done. The recording generally takes less than a minute.

Does an electrocardiogram / EKG hurt?

No, an electrocardiogram is painless. In fact, the most painful part of the process is removing the electrodes which are less sticky than even adhesive bandages.

How long will an electrocardiogram / EKG take?

The whole procedure usually takes about five minutes. The quicker the patient can be still and relaxed the sooner it will be completed.

When and where will are the EKG results provided?

A cardiologist will review the electrocardiogram and record their interpretation, generally within 24 hours. Results will be sent to the referring physician in 24-48 hours.