During an EKG (electrocardiogram) appointment, you’ll first be asked to remove any clothing from the waist up, as electrodes need to be placed on your chest, arms, and legs. You’ll be asked to lie down on an exam table while the healthcare provider attaches small adhesive electrodes to these areas. The electrodes are connected to an EKG machine by thin wires, which will record the electrical activity of your heart. This process is quick and painless.

Once the electrodes are in place, you’ll be asked to remain still and breathe normally while the machine records the heart’s rhythm and electrical impulses. The procedure itself usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Afterward, the electrodes are removed, leaving no lasting marks. The EKG results are typically available right away, and the healthcare provider will discuss them with you. If any abnormalities are detected, further tests may be recommended. It’s a simple, non-invasive procedure used to assess your heart’s health and detect any irregularities in its electrical activity.