Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Sutter Heart & Vascular Institute

Why is the doctor performing this test?
To evaluate the heart's function by viewing its electrical activity.

What is the test?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a painless, non-invasive test whereby the doctor visualizes the electrical impulses of your heart. The doctor will place a total of approximately 10 electrode patches on the skin of your arms, legs and chest (sometimes a clinical specialist will need to shave small areas of body hair off of men to get a good reading). These electrode patches are hooked up to an electrocardiography machine which displays the electrical activity of your heart.

This test can give your doctor the following information about the functioning of your heart:

• Heart attack: EKGs display if you are currently having a heart attack or have had one in the past.


• Heart rate and rhythm: EKGs exhibit how fast or slow your heart is beating, and if the beats are regular or irregular.


• Oxygenated blood flow: EKGs show if there is sufficient oxygenated blood flowing to the heart muscle. This can help a doctor differentiate between chest pain (angina) and a heart attack.


• Heart structure: EKGs portray the size and configuration of the heart, as well as any defects you may have been born with.

Where is the test performed?
Electrocardiography machines are extremely common, and thus are found throughout the hospital.

They are routinely found at:
Non-Invasive Cardiology Testing Center
Sutter Solano Medical Center
Patients' rooms
Emergency department

How long does this test take?
Approximately 5 minutes.