Does a cardiology perform electrocardiogram?

An ECG records the heart’s electrical signals through small adhesive electrodes placed on the chest and sometimes the limbs. You usually lie still while the tracing is captured. The test does not send electricity into your body. A cardiologist or trained clinical staff member may review the tracing for rhythm changes, conduction problems, or patterns that need further assessment. An ECG is one part of an evaluation; a normal tracing does not answer every possible heart question.

Ask your primary-care clinician or cardiology clinic whether an ECG is suitable for your symptoms, medical history, or planned procedure. Wear clothing that allows access to the chest, and tell the team about medicines, implanted devices, skin irritation, or difficulty lying flat. Follow any appointment instructions and ask when and how the result will be explained. Learn more about an [electrocardiogram](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/ecg/).

Seek emergency help for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, or persistent, especially with breathlessness, fainting, cold sweating, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, or back. Sudden severe palpitations with collapse or marked weakness also need urgent assessment. An appointment for an ECG should not delay emergency care.

Ask what prompted the ECG, whether you need any preparation, when results will be available, and what symptoms should lead you to seek help sooner.