ALERT CONTENT PLACEHOLDER

Location

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Hours

Location

Contact

Hours

Location

Contact

Hours

Location

Contact

Hours


What We Do

An ECG records the electrical impulses moving through the heart muscle. The test won't cause you any pain, but you'll need to lie quietly for about 3 minutes. Wires will be attached to your chest, arms and legs. Electrical currents from your heart will go through the ECG machine and be recorded on special graph paper.

The ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats and can show an abnormal heartbeat, the presence of any damage or enlargement of the heart muscle. It can also show if your heart isn't getting enough oxygen and the effects of drugs or regulating devices.​

Materials and Resources to Help You

The Patient & Family Education Program at UHN offers valuable resources to help you understand your condition.

Resources from the Patient & Family Education Program

Visit our Health Information section to find dedicated resources to help you understand your condition. Find the information you're looking for.​

Your Procedure


How to Prepare

There is no special preparation for an ECG.

Checking In

When you arrive at the Diagnostic Test Centre, check in at the reception desk. The receptionist will ask you for:

  • Health Card (OHIP Card). If you do not have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or other provincial health card). Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
  • Your name, address and birth date.

Before the ECG

After you check in with the receptionist, you will have a seat in the waiting room. The technician will call you when it is time for your test and take you into the room.

When you have finished changing, a technologist will take you into the room. They will explain the procedure and ask for your consent.

During and After the ECG

The technician will ask you to disrobe from the waist up and place the ECG electrodes on your chest. You will then be attached to some wires and asked to lie still for a few minutes while the ECG machine records the electrical activity of your heart.

The Results of Your ECG

Once the test is completed, the technician will give you a copy of your ECG to take back to your physician. Your doctor can review it and discuss the results with you directly.

How Long Will Your Appointment Be?

An ECG usually takes approximately 20 minutes.

We do everything that we can to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.​

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