Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)

An EKG normally takes approximately five to 10 minutes to complete, including attaching and detaching electrodes. During an EKG your child will lie flat on a table or bed for the procedure. The EKG technician will need to have your child's chest uncovered to perform the test. Your child's privacy will be ensured by covering them with a sheet or gown and exposing only the necessary skin.

Electrodes will be attached to your child's chest and one electrode will be attached to each arm and leg. Lead wires will be attached to the skin electrodes. Once the leads are attached, the technician will key in identifying information such as your child's name and age into the machine's computer.

It is important that your child lie still and not talk during the procedure, so they don’t interfere with the tracing. Parents can be present in the room to reassure and encourage their child during the procedure.

At this point, it will take about a minute for the tracing to be completed. Once tracing is completed, the technician will disconnect the leads and remove the skin electrodes.

Some medical conditions that may cause changes in the EKG pattern and can signal a heart problem. These conditions include:

• Chest trauma
• Conduction disorders
• Electrolyte disturbances
• Enlarged heart
• Ischemia
• Pericarditis
• Valve disease