Electrocardiogram (ECG)
The ECG provides information about your cardiac rhythm and may provide clues about past or current damage to your heart muscle. Ten electrode patches are placed in specific spots on the chest. Electrocardiographic leads are connected to the patches, and the ECG machine records the electrical activity (cardiac rhythm) of the heart in different views. This recording is printed onto a sheet of paper to be included in your medical record, in order to allow comparison with past and future ECG’s. This test takes just a few minutes to perform. You may be asked to lie very still during the few seconds it takes to record the ECG. You do not need any special preparation or follow-up care.
Echocardiogram
This exam utilizes ultrasound waves to form a picture of the heart. Providing information about the heart’s size, structure, and movement and how the valves work. The test is performed with you in a lying or reclined position. You will need to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown. Electrodes will be placed on your chest so that your heart rhythm can be monitored. A gel material is placed on your chest to help transmit the sound waves. A probe called a transducer sends and receives ultrasound waves to the underlying heart structures. The transducer is moved over the skin in order to obtain the images of your heart in motion. The sound waves produced by the echo machine cause no injury or discomfort. Information and images are sent to the device computer and TV screen and are saved on videotape. The test takes 30 to 45 minutes. There are neither special preparation nor follow-up steps required.
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