An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical signals in your heart. It is a common and painless test used to quickly detect issues with the heart and monitor the heart’s health.

Preparing for your appointment

What can I eat?

No restrictions.

Before Your Exam/Test

Take all prescribed medication as directed.

Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing (especially around the neck) with a short sleeve and refrain from wearing jewelry/necklaces for your technologist’s convenience.

About your appointment

What to Expect

When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam.

When ready, your technologist will bring you back to a private room to review and explain the test prior to it beginning.

You will be asked to lie down and remain as still as possible. Your technologist will then apply electrodes (small plastic patches that stick to the skin) to your chest and other areas of your body to record your heart’s health. This test is painless.

How long will it take?

Approximately 15 minutes.

After your appointment

A cardiologist will report the findings will report the findings to your ordering physician within 3-5 days, who you may contact for the results.

An exercise stress test shows how your heart performs during physical activity.

During physical activity, your heart has to pump harder and faster – therefore this test can reveal issues with blood flow within your heart.

Preparing for your appointment

What can I eat?

You may eat a light breakfast the morning of your test. But please be aware you will be asked to perform physical activity upon arrive at your appointment.

Please refrain from consuming drinks containing caffeine before your test.

Before Your Test/Exam

Please refrain from smoking 2 hours prior to your test.

Please ensure you are wearing comfortable athletic shoes for your appointment.

Take any medication you are prescribed as normal. 

Please bring a current list of all medications you are taking with you to your appointment.

If you use or require an inhaler, please bring it with you to this appointment.

About your appointment

What to Expect

When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam.

When ready, your technologist will bring you back to a private room to review and explain the test prior to it beginning.

Your technologist will prep your skin, which can including shaving the area. They will place electrodes (small plastic patches that stick to the skin) on your abdomen and chest that will monitor your heart’s activity.

Your blood pressure will be monitored before, during and after you complete the fitness portion of the test.

Once the test begins, you will start walking slowly on a treadmill – as the test continues the treadmill will get faster and steeper.

Please be aware you will be asked to exercise until targets have been reached.

How long will it take?

Approximately 45 minutes.

After your appointment

The attending physician will give you your results at the completion of the test.  A copy will also be sent to the ordering and family physician.

A holter monitor is a small wearable device that records your heart’s rhythm over a specified period of time.

Your physician may order this to help identify any heart rhythm abnormalities otherwise known as a heart arrhythmia.

Preparing for your appointment

What can I eat?

No restrictions.

Before Your Test/Exam

Please bathe prior to your appointment.

Take all prescribed medication as directed.

Please prepare for your exam by wearing loose-fitting comfortable clothing (especially around the neck) with a short sleeve and refrain from wearing necklaces for your technologist’s convenience.

Please bring a current list of all medications you are taking with you to your appointment.

About your appointment

What to Expect

When you arrive at the hospital, you will report to diagnostic imaging for your appointment and check in with registration. You will be asked to wait in the x-ray waiting room until a technologist is prepared to assist you for your exam.

When ready, your technologist will bring you back to a private room to review and explain the process prior to it beginning.

Your technologist will prep your skin, which can including shaving the area. They will place electrodes (small plastic patches that stick to the skin) on your chest that will monitor your heart’s activity.

The monitor will be placed in a pouch or clip and is worn on your body for the duration of your monitoring period. *Please note you can not get this device wet.

If you will be wearing the monitor longer than 48 hours, you will be shown how to remove and reapply the electrodes in order to bathe.

How long will it take?

Approximately 30 minutes.

After your appointment

Once the device is placed on you by your technologist you are not to remove the device until the directed day and time.

You must keep a dairy of any symptoms you experience while wearing the holter monitor.

When your monitoring time period has ended, you may remove the device at home. Please place the device in the bag provided to you and drop off at the Registration Desk at the Emergency Department of Sault Area Hospital.

If you are required to wear the holter for 14 days, you must return to the Diagnostic Imaging Department on day 7 for a battery change.

You are able to obtain your results by contacting the ordering physician 1-2 weeks after returning the device.