What is an Electrocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is the name for an ultrasound of your heart. This exam uses high frequency sound waves to visualize your heart, the inside of your heart, the valve function and the blood flow through your heart.
Patient Preparation
There is no preparation for this exam.
What to Expect During the Exam
A trained technician attaches the 10 self-adhesive electrodes to specific areas on your chest, proximal arms and legs. These electrodes snap to wires and record the hearts electrical signal from 12 different angles or views. A standard 12 lead EKG records 10 seconds of your heart’s electrical activity. The EKG simultaneously records 2.5 seconds from several of the 12 leads and often a 10 second rhythm strip in one or more leads. Our providers interpret the EKG and generate a report of their findings. Obtaining an EKG typically takes 10-15 minutes.