Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG is an electrical recording of your heart rhythm and may be conducted in several ways:

Resting 12-Lead ECG:
Small, sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on your chest, writsts, and ankles. The electrodes are connected to a machine that monitors and records your heart's electrical activity. from 12 different views. you will be asked to lie quietly while the ECG is being recorded. The test, which takes approximately 10 minutes, allows your physician to see your "baseline ECG" and determine if there is any abnormal conduction through your heart while you are at rest.

Holter ECG:
The Holter Electrocardiogram allows your physician to review the electrical recording of your heart over a period of time, usually 24 hours. Electrodes are placed on your chest and then connected to a small, battery-powered ECG machine which attaches to your belt or hangs on a cord around your neck. You will be asked to "wear" the Holter and keep a diary of abnormal heart rhythm episodes, any symptoms you experience, physical activity and medications taken. This test allows your physician to see variation and abnormaility of your heart rhythm over a period of time while you are performing your normal daily activities.

Stanford Transtelephonic Arrhythmia Network (STAN):
STAN provides 24-hour outpatient cardiac event monitoring for patients. A portable ECG monitor is used to record abnormal heart rhythms that occur infrequently and may not be "caught" on a 24-hour Holter recording. The monitor is small, portable and should be carried with you over a one month period. When you feel symptoms such as dizziness, syncope (feel you are going to pass out), or palpitations, simply press the record button. The patient the tansmits the recording over the telephone to a nurse who will ask you some questions and notify the physician. The physician will evaluate the recorded arrhythmia and determine if additional evaluation and treatment are necessary.

Exercise ECG:
This electrocardiogram is the same as a resting ECG, except it involves recording your heart's electrical activity before, during and after exercising on a treadmill or riding a bicycle. The test allows the physician to evaluate the effects of exercise (stress) on your heart.