You are asked to lie down, and electrodes are affixed to each arm and leg and to
your chest. This requires cleaning the site and, if necessary, shaving or
clipping hair. The standard number of leads attached is 12 to 15 for a
diagnostic ECG but may be as few as 3 to 5 for a monitoring procedure.
You are usually required to remain still, and you may be asked to hold your
breath for short periods during the procedure. Sometimes this test is performed
while you are exercising or under minimal stress to monitor changes in the
heart. This type of ECG is often called a stress test.
The results are recorded on graph paper.