ECG (Electrocardiogram)
An electrocardiogram (ECG, also called EKG) is a quick, painless test that records the electrical signals of the heart through small sensors placed on the skin. It checks the heart's rhythm and rate and helps detect arrhythmias, the effects of a heart attack, and other cardiac conditions.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
An ECG records the tiny electrical signals the heart makes with each beat, using electrodes placed on the chest, arms and legs. It shows the heart rate and rhythm and can reveal arrhythmias, signs of a current or previous heart attack, reduced blood supply and problems with the heart's electrical conduction. Several forms are used: a resting ECG (lying still), an exercise/stress ECG (recorded while walking on a treadmill), and an ambulatory or Holter monitor worn for 24 hours or longer to capture intermittent symptoms.
For international patients, a dedicated coordinator arranges testing, our cardiologists can review an ECG performed abroad as part of a remote second opinion, and you receive a clear, itemized cost estimate before you travel.
Who is a candidate?
- Palpitations or a feeling of an irregular or racing heartbeat
- Chest pain, breathlessness or dizziness
- Fainting or unexplained blackouts
- Suspected arrhythmia or after a heart attack
- Assessment before surgery or when starting certain medicines
- Monitoring a known heart condition or device
What happens
- 1
Preparation
No special preparation is needed. A small area of skin may be cleaned or shaved so the electrodes stick well.
- 2
During the test
Several electrodes are attached to the chest, arms and legs and you lie still for a few minutes while the trace is recorded. An exercise ECG is recorded while you walk on a treadmill; a Holter monitor is worn at home for 24 hours or more.
- 3
Afterwards & results
The electrodes are removed and you return to normal activity straight away. A cardiologist interprets the trace; resting-ECG results are available immediately.
Benefits
- Fast, simple and painless
- No radiation and no injections
- Immediate information about heart rhythm
- Detects arrhythmias and signs of reduced blood supply or a heart attack
- Guides further testing and treatment
Risks & considerations
- A resting ECG carries no risk at all
- An exercise (stress) ECG can briefly bring on symptoms such as breathlessness or chest discomfort, but you are closely monitored throughout
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Heart Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
ECG (Electrocardiogram) — frequently asked questions
No. The electrodes simply rest on the skin and record signals — there is no electricity put into the body, no needles and no radiation.
A resting ECG takes only about 5–10 minutes. A Holter monitor is worn at home for 24 hours or more to capture symptoms that come and go.
An ECG checks the heart's electrical rhythm; an echocardiogram shows its structure and pumping. They answer different questions and are often used together; your cardiologist will advise.
Yes. Share the trace and report and our cardiologists can include it in a remote second opinion before you commit to treatment or travel.
Your coordinator gives a transparent, itemized estimate before any test, with no hidden charges.
Usually no, but tell us everything you take — for some tests (such as a stress ECG) your cardiologist may give specific instructions.
Related treatments
Considering ecg (electrocardiogram)?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.