Electrocardiogram (ECG) test

Electrocardiogram

What is an electrocardiogram?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your child's heart on a graph.

The test gives the doctor information about:

• your child's heart rate
• any irregularity in the heart rhythm
• the size of the heart muscle

How is an ECG done?

The test takes about 10 minutes. It does not hurt.

A technologist will give your child the test. Technologists are people who are trained to give tests on the machines in the hospital. The technologist will put 13 small stickers called electrodes on your child's arms, legs and chest. Each sticker has a wire attached to it.

Your child will lie down on a bed. Your child will need to lie completely still for about one minute while the recording is taken.

The technologist will remove the stickers when the test is finished.

Getting the results

A cardiologist (heart specialist) will read the ECG recording. This doctor will send a report to the doctor who ordered the test. Your child's doctor will discuss the results with you.