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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG)

12-lead snapshot of your heart's electrical activity

An electrocardiogram (EKG, sometimes spelled ECG) is a quick, painless recording of your heart's electrical activity captured from twelve different angles. It is the foundational test in cardiology — taking less than a minute, requiring no preparation, and yielding remarkable information about rhythm, conduction, and prior or current heart-muscle stress. At Cardiolucent every new patient receives an in-office 12-lead EKG as part of the initial evaluation.

What's Included

  • Standard 12-lead electrocardiogram
  • Heart rate and rhythm assessment
  • Conduction interval measurement (PR, QRS, QT)
  • Screening for ischemia, prior infarction, and chamber enlargement
  • Side-by-side comparison with any prior EKGs you bring
  • Same-visit interpretation by Dr. Kedan
  • Printed tracing for your records

How It's Performed

The EKG is performed in the Beverly Hills office. Ten small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs, and a recording is captured over about 10 seconds. There is no current delivered to your body — the machine only listens. From electrode placement to final tracing, the entire process is usually under 5 minutes.

How to Prepare

  • No fasting required.
  • Take all routine medications as usual.
  • Wear something easy to remove or open at the top.
  • Avoid heavy lotions on the chest the day of the test.
  • Bring prior EKGs if you have them — comparison is valuable.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery. Dr. Kedan reads the tracing during the visit and walks you through every relevant finding. Because intermittent arrhythmias may not be captured during a 10-second recording, the EKG is often paired with an ambulatory monitor or stress test when symptoms suggest a problem not seen on the resting study.

Indications

  • Chest discomfort or shortness of breath
  • Palpitations, racing heartbeat, or skipped beats
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
  • Known or suspected heart disease
  • Pre-operative cardiac clearance
  • Baseline evaluation in any new cardiology visit
  • Before starting medications that can affect heart rhythm

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram is a recording of the electrical signal that triggers each heartbeat. Ten adhesive patches placed on the chest, arms, and legs capture the signal from twelve perspectives — known as a 12-lead EKG — and a printout is generated in seconds.
What can it detect?
Heart rhythm and rate, conduction blocks, evidence of inadequate blood flow (ischemia), signs of a prior heart attack, chamber enlargement, and a range of electrolyte and medication effects. It is a remarkably high-value test for how quick and simple it is to perform.
How long does it take?
The recording itself takes about 10 seconds. Including electrode placement and removal, total time is usually under 5 minutes.
Is it painful?
No. The EKG only listens — no electricity is delivered. You will feel the electrodes being applied and removed, but the recording is silent and painless.
Do I need to prepare?
Almost nothing. Eat and drink normally, take routine medications, avoid heavy chest lotions, and wear something easy to open at the top.
Are there any risks?
Essentially none. The most common minor inconvenience is brief skin redness at electrode sites in patients with sensitive skin.
What are the limitations?
Because it captures only 10 seconds, an EKG can miss intermittent arrhythmias that aren't happening at that moment. It also cannot show structural problems such as valve disease or pumping function — those require imaging. When the question is rhythm-based and intermittent, Dr. Kedan typically pairs the EKG with an extended ambulatory monitor.
Who interprets it?
Dr. Kedan personally reads every EKG performed in the office, comparing it with any prior tracings you provide.
When will I get the results?
Immediately. The tracing prints within seconds, and Dr. Kedan reviews it with you during the same visit.
How do I schedule one?
An EKG is included in every comprehensive cardiac evaluation at Cardiolucent. Call (310) 304-5555 to schedule.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.