What is an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) and what to expect - Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

A pediatric electrocardiogram (also known as ECG or EKG) is a painless, noninvasive way to measures the electrical activity of a child's heart.

By positioning electrodes (electrical sensing devices) on the body in standardized locations, a pediatric EKG can help detect certain abnormal heart rhythms and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

For your student’s safety, a sports physical by a physician must be completed first. If you don’t have a pediatrician you regularly see, please call 866-532-4362 to find a pediatrician on our medical staff.

A Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital cardiology team member will perform the EKG and interpretation will be completed by a cardiologist at no charge.

Requirements:

Please make sure your child's prescription specifies the EKG is for a sports evaluation.

A parent or guardian will need to be present to sign consent for the EKG test.