Electrocardiogram

ECG (Electrocardiogram), EKG (Electrocardiogram)

How To Prepare

Many medicines may change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. If you take heart medicines, your doctor will tell you how to take your medicines before you have this test.

Remove all jewelry from your neck, arms, and wrists. Men are usually bare-chested during the test. Women may often wear a bra, T-shirt, or gown. If you are wearing stockings, you should take them off. You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will indicate. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form(What is a PDF document?).

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: April 21, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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