Palos Cardiovascular & Vein Center

EKG heart test, done in our office.

An EKG is a quick, painless recording of the electrical signals that make your heart beat.

Book now Call (708) 529-7109 Get directions

Heart care

EKG (electrocardiogram)

Small sticky patches are placed on your chest, arms and legs and connected to a machine that records your heart rhythm for a few seconds. Nothing goes into your body and there is no electric shock.

Why a doctor orders an EKG

Chest discomfort
A racing, slow or irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or fainting
Shortness of breath
A check before surgery or a new medicine
Following a known heart condition

New or severe chest pain, trouble breathing or fainting? Call 911. Do not drive yourself.

What to expect

Get ready
You lie on an exam table and patches are placed on your skin. No special preparation is needed.
The recording
You lie still and breathe normally while the machine records your heart rhythm.
Your result
A cardiologist reads the recording and explains what it shows and whether more tests are needed.

Your doctors

Wail Asfour, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Cardiology · Heart and vein care

Mohamed Zghouzi, MD

Interventional Cardiology · Heart care

Cost and insurance

Call with your insurance card so we can check your specific plan before your visit.

Medicare
Illinois Medicaid
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
UnitedHealthcare
Humana

Not sure about your plan? Call (708) 529-7109 and we will check.

Common questions

Does an EKG hurt?

No. You may feel a small tug when the patches are removed.

How long does an EKG take?

The recording itself takes seconds. Allow a few minutes for placing and removing the patches.

Do I need to prepare?

No. Wear a top that is easy to open, and avoid oily lotion on your chest that day.

Can a normal EKG rule out heart disease?

Not by itself. An EKG shows your heart rhythm at that moment, so your doctor may recommend other tests.

EKG (electrocardiogram) in Palos Hills.