Electrocardiogram

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental test in cardiology that provides essential information about the condition of your heart. Simple, quick, and completely painless, this examination offers a true “electrical snapshot” of your heart muscle in just a few minutes. At the Rythmopôle Center, we use this technique daily to screen for and diagnose many cardiac conditions.

Make an appointment

→

What is an electrocardiogram used for?

The heart is a muscle that beats thanks to electrical impulses generated and transmitted by a network of specialized cells. The electrocardiogram captures and records this electrical activity, allowing for precise analysis of:

Heart rhythm:
- Heart rate (number of beats per minute)
- Regularity of the beats
- Presence of arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, extrasystoles, etc.
Electrical conduction:
- Assessment of the time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel through the different parts of the heart
- Detection of conduction disorders such as atrioventricular blocks or bundle branch blocks
Condition of the heart muscle:
- Signs of myocardial infarction (recent or old)
- Evidence of chamber hypertrophy
- Signs of inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis)
- Abnormalities related to electrolyte imbalances
- Effects of medications on the heart’s electrical activity

Thanks to this wide range of information, your cardiologist can detect numerous heart conditions, sometimes even before symptoms appear. This is why the ECG is often considered an essential baseline examination in cardiology.

How does the test work?

The electrocardiogram is a fully standardized test that is always performed according to the same protocol:

Preparation:
- You will be comfortably positioned, lying on your back, with your chest exposed
- No special preparation is required before the test
- You may eat, drink, and take your usual medications
Electrode placement:
- The doctor or nurse places 10 adhesive electrodes on your body
- Six electrodes are positioned in specific locations on your chest
- Four electrodes are placed on your wrists and ankles
- A conductive gel is sometimes applied to improve signal quality
Recording:
- The electrodes are connected by wires to the electrocardiograph
- You will be asked to remain still and breathe normally for a few moments
- The device records your heart’s electrical activity from different angles
- The actual recording takes only a few seconds to one minute
Reading and interpretation:
- The device instantly prints out a trace on graph paper
- Your doctor analyzes this trace according to specific criteria
- Results are usually available immediately

The entire procedure, from setup to the end of recording, usually takes less than 10 minutes. There is no discomfort at any point – the electrodes simply capture the electrical signals naturally emitted by your heart and do not emit any current.

The benefits of electrocardiogramm

The electrocardiogram offers numerous advantages, making it one of the most frequently performed medical tests in the world:

Speed: the entire test takes only 5 to 10 minutes
Painless: no discomfort is felt during the examination
Non-invasive: no injections, no radiation, no risk
Accessible: available in almost all medical offices and healthcare facilities
No preparation: no fasting or dietary/medication restrictions required
Immediate results: interpretation is possible right after the test
Reproducible: allows comparison of heart condition over time
Multiple information: provides insight into many aspects of heart function
High diagnostic value: can reveal many cardiac abnormalities, sometimes unsuspected

These features make it not only a first-line diagnostic tool but also an excellent screening and follow-up examination.

When should an electrocardiogram be performed?

An electrocardiogram can be recommended in many situations:

As part of a preventive check-up:
- Routine health assessment, particularly after age 40
- Before starting intensive sports activity
- Preoperative evaluation before surgery
In the presence of cardiovascular symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Palpitations (sensation of irregular heartbeats)
- Unexplained shortness of breath
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Unusual fatigue
For medical follow-up:
- Monitoring of a known heart condition
- Assessing the effectiveness of a cardiac treatment
- Monitoring the effects of certain medications on the heart
- Follow-up for patients with cardiovascular risk factors
In emergency situations:
- Suspected myocardial infarction
- Acute arrhythmias
- Unexplained fainting

The recommended frequency varies according to age, medical history, and individual risk factors.

Rythmopôle’s Expertise

At the Rythmopôle Center, the electrocardiogram is part of our daily practice:

Our cardiologists and electrophysiologists are experts in the detailed interpretation of ECG tracings
We use state-of-the-art equipment for optimal signal quality
The exam is carried out in comfortable conditions with full respect for your privacy
The results are explained to you clearly and in understandable terms
If necessary, other complementary tests can be offered during the same consultation

Our specialized expertise in the field of cardiac rhythm disorders allows us to detect subtle abnormalities that could go unnoticed during a standard examination.

The electrocardiogram is a fundamental baseline test in cardiology. Despite its simplicity, it provides essential information on the heart’s electrical activity in just a few minutes. Some abnormalities detected may warrant a prolonged recording with a Holter ECG to confirm a diagnosis or refine follow-up. At the Rythmopôle Center, our specialists interpret each tracing with precision and use their expertise to offer you the most appropriate care as part of a personalized treatment plan.

Questions fréquentes

Do you need to fast before an electrocardiogram?

Is an electrocardiogram dangerous?

No, an electrocardiogram is completely safe and risk-free. Unlike certain medical tests, it does not emit radiation and involves no injections. The electrodes placed on your skin simply passively record the electrical signals naturally produced by your heart, without ever emitting electricity. ECGs are so safe that they can be performed without risk in pregnant women, elderly individuals, and even newborns.

Should I stop taking my medication before the test?

Generally, no. The ECG is designed to assess how your heart is functioning at the time of the test, including under treatment. It is therefore important to continue taking your medication unless your doctor has specifically asked you to stop temporarily for a particular diagnostic purpose (such as assessing a medication’s effect).

How should I dress for the exam?

Choose clothing that is easy to remove from the upper body. The chest must be uncovered for the placement of electrodes, so avoid tight-fitting garments, jumpsuits, complex undergarments, or bras that are difficult to take off. Loose clothing will also help ensure your comfort during the exam.

From what age can you have an electrocardiogram?

The electrocardiogram can be performed at any age. It is used for both adults and children whenever a heart rhythm disorder is suspected or for preventive monitoring. It is an important screening tool starting at the age of 40 or in the presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

How often should you have an electrocardiogram?

The frequency depends on your situation. For preventive purposes, an ECG may be recommended every 2 to 5 years starting at age 40. In the case of a known heart condition, the ECG may be performed several times a year depending on follow-up needs. Your electrophysiologist, cardiologist, or primary care physician will determine the schedule best suited to your case.

Is the electrocardiogram covered by insurance?

How to make an appointment for an electrocardiogram at Rythmopôle?

You can book an appointment directly online on our website or call one of our centers. No prior prescription is required if the examination is requested for preventive purposes, but a letter from your doctor may be helpful in cases of a known condition or as part of a structured medical follow-up.

Schedule an electrocardiogram at the Rythmopôle Center

Appointments can be booked directly online at the Rythmopôle center of your choice. The exam is quick, painless, and interpreted immediately by a specialist—an easy step to assess your heart health.

Make an appointment

→