How to Prepare for an ECG Examination
Here is the basic information about procedures performed at the ECG Laboratory.
How to prepare for your appointment – Download
RESTING ECG
ECG is a diagnostic procedure used to detect cardiac problems or as a prophylactic measure in patients over 45 years old, especially those at risk of coronary heart disease.
A resting ECG examines and detects:
- the heart rhythm and rate
- abnormalities in the heart rhythm and conduction disorders
- recent myocardial infarction and unstable coronary disease.
No preparation is required.
EXERCISE ECG
Exercise ECG is done to assess the heart’s response to exercise. During the procedure the patient walks on a treadmill. The examination is done in steps during which the exercise intensity is progressively increased. The ECG and arterial blood pressure are recorded in real time during the test and if the examined patient experiences any discomfort, he/she should report it to the attending staff.
Indications for an exercise ECG:
- coronary disease diagnostics
- prognosis following myocardial infarction
- review of pharmacotherapy in patients with coronary disease, arterial hypertension, or arrhythmia
- monitoring the outcome of coronary angioplasty
- physical fitness assessment in professional athletes
Eat a light breakfast and take your regular medications as usual. Bring the echocardiogram with you to your appointment.
Please do not exercise prior to the test on the day of your exercise ECG. You may bring a workout outfit (shorts or sweatpants).
Men should shave the upper part of their chest.
HOLTER ECG
Twenty-four hour Holter monitoring is a continuous test to record your heartrate during your normal daily routine (the patient wears a small recording device).
A Holter ECG is intended to:
- examine the heart activity (heart rate and rhythm) over 24 hours
- detect arrhythmias
- detect conduction disorders
- monitor response to pharmacotherapy
- monitor the work of a cardiac pacemaker
On the day of your procedure wear loose-fitting clothes and do not use any body lotion.
Men should shave the upper section part of their chest.
Holter RR (pressure monitoring)
Twenty-four hour Holter RR monitoring is a continuous test to record the patient’s arterial blood pressure in an outpatient setting (the patient wears a small recording device).
Holter RR:
- examines arterial pressure over 24 hours and detects hypertension
- monitors the response to antihypertensive drugs
No special preparations are necessary.
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