What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measures the electrical activity of your heart using electrodes attached to the chest, arms and legs. This low-risk test is a simple, quick and highly effective tool for evaluating your heart and diagnosing conditions. The test will show:
- How fast your heart beats
- Whether your heart rhythm is steady or irregular
- The strength and timing of electrical impulses passing through your heart
Why is an electrocardiogram done?
An electrocardiogram is done to check the heartbeat. It shows how fast or how slow the heart is beating. You may need an EKG if you are experiencing symptoms, such as:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, feeling faint, or confusion
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Elevated heart rate
- Shortness of breath
- Severe weakness or fatigue
- Difficulty exercising
EKGs can be used after a diagnosis, as well. For example, your doctor may want to monitor your heart after you’ve been diagnosed with a type of heart disease or to see how well you are responding to a medication or treatment.
EKGs are used to diagnose many conditions, including:
Types of electrocardiogram
Electrocardiograms typically take place at a healthcare facility or hospital using specialized equipment.
However, you might have irregular symptoms that don’t appear on an EKG in your doctor’s office or the hospital or your doctor might want to monitor your heart as you go about your daily activities.
In those cases, they may ask you to wear a small, portable EKG monitor. These devices record heart activity for a few days, a few weeks or even a few years, allowing your physician to get a more complete picture of your heart health.
There are two main types of portable EKG monitoring:
Holter monitors
Holter monitors record heart activity for up to two days. Electrodes on your chest connect to a small device that collects information throughout the testing period. The device can be worn around your neck or on a belt or shoulder strap. You’ll also be asked to take note of any symptoms while you wear it.
At the end of your test period, your doctor will review the EKG recordings and discuss the next steps.
Event monitors
Event monitors are also portable devices, and there are many different types. Some record your EKG continuously, while others require you to activate the device manually.
A symptom event monitor, for example, allows you to record an EKG when symptoms occur. When you feel a symptom, you hold the monitor to your chest, and it records and stores an EKG reading.
Another type of event monitor goes under the skin of your chest. Called implantable loop recorders, these tools can monitor your heart’s activity for years. These devices deliver wireless transmissions of recordings to a provider, who can alert you if your readings suggest you need immediate medical care.
What to expect when getting an EKG
If you’re having an EKG at your cardiologist’s office or another location, the test will be very simple and painless. There’s little preparation involved, except some basic personal care tips. On the day of the test, avoid putting lotions or oils on your chest and choose a top that’s easy to take off.
If you’re receiving a portable EKG, you’ll receive detailed instructions about how to use the device.
Before an EKG
Just before an EKG test at your provider’s office, you’ll lie on an exam table and a provider will attach electrodes to your chest. They may need to shave your chest to provide a smooth surface for the electrodes.
During an EKG
During an electrocardiogram, the electrodes are connected to an EKG machine, which measures electrical signals in your heart. You will lie still and breathe normally throughout the test. Your provider may ask you to hold your breath at certain points.
The test typically takes between five and 10 minutes.
After an EKG
Once complete, the provider will carefully remove the electrodes. Your reading will be sent to your referring provider. Unless you have an urgent heart condition requiring immediate attention, you can resume your normal daily activities.
Are there any side effects?
EKGs don’t involve electricity going into your body, so there’s no risk of electric shock. You might have some temporary skin irritation once the electrodes are removed. You shouldn’t experience pain or discomfort during the test but alert your provider if you do.
Some medical conditions and other factors, such as taking certain medications or being pregnant, may affect the results. Your doctor will advise you on what to do and not do before the test and inform you of alternative testing, if necessary.
Your EKG results
Whether you have an office-based EKG or wear a portable heart monitor, your cardiologist will review your EKG and look for signs that your heart is beating:
- Too fast (more than 100 beats per minute)
- Too slow (fewer than 60 beats per minute)
- Irregularly
Should I worry about an abnormal EKG?
Your provider will discuss your EKG results with you and explain what they show. If any abnormalities are found, they will indicate what kinds of heart conditions are responsible for your symptoms. Your doctor may need to conduct further tests, such as an echocardiogram or a stress test, to confirm a diagnosis.
If an EKG leads to a diagnosis, your cardiologist will work with you to discuss next steps and determine the right treatment option. The type of heart condition you have and its severity, as well as your overall health, will guide your decision-making.
Find a location near you
You can find ECGs and many other diagnostic testing options at our heart and vascular locations across Central and North Texas.
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland (Satellite)
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Terrell
200 N Virginia St , Terrell, TX, 75160
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine - Wylie
600 Cooper Dr Ste 100, Wylie, TX, 75098
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Rockwall
1975 Alpha Dr Ste 204, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Craig Ranch
6800 State Hwy 121 , McKinney, TX, 75070
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - Frisco
15950 Eldorado Pkwy Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - North Rowlett
7501 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 220, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Murphy
511 W FM 544 Ste 204, Murphy, TX, 75094
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Sachse
5250 State Hwy 78 Ste 850, Sachse, TX, 75048
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Geriatrics - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 307, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 301, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Residency - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 409, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100A , Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 300, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Douglass Community Clinic - Plano
801 E Plano Pkwy Ste 160, Plano, TX, 75074
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Richardson
1410 E Renner Rd Ste 201, Richardson, TX, 75082
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hope Clinic of Garland
800 S 6th St Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75040
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Signature Medicine - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Ste 770, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Comprehensive Wound and Limb Preservation Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 150, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Occupational & Family Health Center at Texas Instruments
13350 T I Blvd , Dallas, TX, 75243
- Monday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Castle Hills
1700 FM 544 Suite 200, Lewisville, TX, 75056
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 250, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Personal Edge - Dallas
9101 N Central Expy Ste 450, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Signature Medicine - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 440, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - Lovers Lane
5800 E Lovers Ln , Dallas, TX, 75206
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine - Lakewood
6301 Gaston Ave Ste 300 & 370, Dallas, TX, 75214
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Cardiovascular Clinic - Denton
3341 Unicorn Lake Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine - Uptown
4161 McKinney Ave Ste 300, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Community Care - Worth Street
4001 Worth St , Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Signature Medicine - Tom Landry
411 N Washington Ave Ste 3000, Dallas, TX, 75246
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Baylor University Medical Center
3434 Swiss Ave Ste 300, Dallas, TX, 75204
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm