Electrocardiogram: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Electrocardiogram?
A cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart diseases, is the specialist your provider may have you see in certain cases. Your health care provider reviews the electrocardiogram, and a technician places the sensors on your skin. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. People also call it an ECG or an EKG. The test is simple, painless, and quick.
Why a doctor might recommend it
It is often the first test done to find out whether a person has heart disease. It is used to measure the following.
- Any damage to your heart
- How fast your heart is beating and whether it is beating normally
- The effects of medicines or devices used to control your heart, such as a pacemaker
Your provider may order the test if the following is true.
- You are scheduled for surgery
- You have had heart problems in the past
- You have a strong history of heart disease in the family
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting.
How to prepare
Tell your provider about everything you take, because some medicines can affect the accuracy of your results. Do not stop a medicine unless your provider tells you to. Exercise and cold water right before the test may cause false results, so avoid both. You do not need any other special preparation.
What happens during it
You are asked to lie down. A technician cleans several areas on your arms, legs, and chest, and then attaches small patches called electrodes. Wires connect the patches to a machine that turns the heart's electrical signals into wavy lines. You need to stay still, and the technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. The whole test only takes a few minutes. Sometimes the test is done while you are exercising or under light stress, to look for changes in the heart. This type is often called a stress test.
Recovery
The test is painless. The electrodes may feel cold when first applied. You may feel a little discomfort or skin irritation after they are removed. Abnormal results may be a sign of damage or changes to the heart muscle, or of abnormal heart rhythms. They may also point to a past or current heart attack. Your provider can explain what your test results mean for your heart health and treatment.
Risks and side effects
The test carries very little risk. No electricity is sent through the body. In rare cases, some people may develop a rash or irritation where the patches were placed. The test can miss a heart problem. Some heart conditions never produce any specific changes on it.
Who performs it
A technician places the patches, and your health care provider reviews the results. The test may be done in your provider's office or a clinic. It may also be done in a hospital before surgery. In certain cases, your provider may have you see a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart diseases.
Common questions
What is a normal electrocardiogram result?
Normal results most often include a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute and a consistent, even rhythm. Your provider checks your results for a steady heartbeat and rhythm. If your results are not normal, you may need other heart health tests before your provider can make a diagnosis.
Can an electrocardiogram show a past heart attack?
Yes, it can help your provider find out if you had a heart attack in the past but did not know it.
Does an electrocardiogram send electricity into my body?
No, no electricity is sent through the body. The test only records electrical signals from your heart.
Is an electrocardiogram the same as an EKG?
Yes, ECG and EKG are two names for the same test.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
