Heart test

EKG (electrocardiogram) and heart rhythm monitoring

An electrocardiogram — written EKG or ECG — records the electrical signals that make your heart beat. It is usually the first heart test, and at a consultation it is done the same day when clinically indicated.

Book a cardiology consultationCall (305) 249-5666

AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.

What it shows

An EKG shows how fast the heart is beating, whether the rhythm is steady or irregular, and patterns that can point to a past heart attack or strain on the heart muscle. It is one piece of the picture, read alongside your symptoms and exam.

An EKG only records a short stretch of time. If your symptoms come and go, your cardiologist may recommend rhythm monitoring: a recorder you wear for a longer period so that an irregular beat can be caught when it happens.

Who it is for

  • Palpitations, skipped beats, or a racing heartbeat
  • Chest pain, tightness, or pressure
  • Fainting, near-fainting, or unexplained dizziness
  • An abnormal EKG found somewhere else
  • An irregular rhythm flagged by a smartwatch or other wearable

How it works

What happens

  1. 01

    Small sticky patches

    Patches called electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Men may need a small area of chest hair shaved so they stick.

  2. 02

    Lie still for a few minutes

    The machine records the signals. Nothing is sent into your body. It does not hurt.

  3. 03

    Results at the visit

    Your cardiologist reads the tracing and explains it in plain language, together with the rest of your evaluation.

Where it is done, and what to bring

The EKG is part of the cardiology consultation at our offices. If rhythm monitoring is recommended, our team explains which kind, how long you wear it, and how to return it.

Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications and dosages, and any earlier EKGs or wearable readings you have.

Medicare and most insurance plans accepted — we confirm your coverage before the visit. See the plans we accept.

Questions about the EKG

My EKG was normal but I still have palpitations. What next?
A normal EKG does not rule out a rhythm problem that comes and goes. Longer rhythm monitoring may be recommended. See our page on atrial fibrillation.
Do I need to prepare?
No fasting is needed. Avoid oily lotion on your chest that day so the patches stick, and wear a top that is easy to open.
Is a smartwatch reading enough?
A wearable can raise a flag. See a cardiologist promptly if a wearable or clinician has detected an irregular rhythm; a medical EKG and an exam confirm what is going on.

A skipped or racing heartbeat is worth checking.

Call (305) 249-5666 or leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day. We verify your insurance before your visit. Most new patients are seen within 5–7 business days.

Book a cardiology consultation

AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.