Electrocardiogram (EKG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a non-invasive heart test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This test gives doctors information about the rhythm of the heart and whether the electrical activity is too fast, slow or irregular and if the heart’s chambers are too large or overworked.
The test is painless and takes just a few minutes complete. This is the most common test performed in cardiology clinics. The technician will place a series of stickers on your child’s arms, legs and chest. Small wires connected to those patches lead to a machine that records the necessary information.
Parent Tip from mom, Kellie:
This is by far the easiest and quickest test you will ever encounter in the cardiology clinic. A wonderful thing about this test for my child is that the stickers they use do not stick so hard that they hurt when they come off. It is quick and simple, and besides the many wires hanging off the chest, it is really not scary for your child. You will need to remove your child’s shirt and stickers added before the testing can happen. Afterwards, you might even suggest that your child take off the stickers by him or herself. For some kids this makes a big difference.
Holter Monitor
The Holter Monitor is a device similar to an EKG that is worn by a patient over a period of time away from the hospital or doctor‘s office. This device can continuously record heart rhythms and electrical activity onto a tape or disk over a 24, 48 or 72 hour period. Stickers are placed on the child’s chest and connected to a small recording box that is about the size of a Walkman that the patient carries or wears for the specified amount of time. The test records your child’s heart function during various activities. The staff at The Children’s Hospital then studies the recordings and other information in a simple diary of events, problems, or symptoms that occurred. This monitor works best when your child has frequent symptoms or if there are symptoms your child may not be noticing.
Parent Tip from mom, Kellie:
The stickers for the Holter Monitor test can sometimes be difficult to remove because they are intended to stay on for a longer period of time. Ask your nurse for a liquid adhesive remover to take home with you that is safe for the skin. An older child might prefer to take the stickers off by himself—sometimes this is less stressful and painful than having you do it for them. After the stickers are off, try baby oil on a cotton ball to remove the excess stickiness.
