Preparing Your Child for an ECG

Is your child scheduled for an electrocardiogram (ECG)? It’s normal to be apprehensive — whether it’s your child who’s nervous or you — and you may have questions about what to expect and how to prepare your child for the test.

An ECG is a quick, painless, and noninvasive procedure, and Dr. Devyani Chowdhury and our team at Cardiology Care for Children specialize in diagnostic cardiac testing for kids at our offices in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana.

Understanding how an ECG works and why it’s necessary can help ease your and your child’s concerns and make the experience smoother for both of you.

What is an ECG?

An ECG is a test that measures the electrical activity of a person’s heart. It records the heart’s rhythm and detects any abnormalities in how it beats.

During the test, we place small sensors (electrodes) on the skin, usually on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to a machine that records the heart’s electrical signals and produces a graph that doctors can analyze.

ECGs are a common test to help diagnose and monitor heart conditions, including irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart defects, and other cardiac issues. The procedure is completely safe and painless. It doesn’t involve exposure to radiation, and typically takes just a few minutes to complete.

Why a child might need an ECG

Your child’s healthcare team may recommend an ECG for a few different reasons. If your child has been experiencing symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, fainting, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, an ECG can help determine if they might have any underlying heart conditions.

Some children with a family history of heart disease or genetic heart conditions may need an ECG as a precautionary measure to inform their care plan. And in some cases, an ECG is required before participating in certain sports or activities to ensure that a child’s heart is functioning properly under physical stress.

How to prepare your child for an ECG

It’s normal to be anxious about an upcoming medical test, and here are some ways you can help your child prepare for their ECG.

1. Explain the test in a simple way

Your child may feel nervous because they don’t know what’s going to happen during the test, so explaining the process in a calm and reassuring manner can help. Let them know that the test is painless and that they will only need to lie still while the doctor places small stickers on their chest, arms, and legs.

2. Dress your child in comfortable clothing

Since the ECG requires access to your child’s chest, it’s best to dress them in a loose-fitting shirt or clothing that’s easy to remove. Avoid putting lotions, oils, or powders on their skin on the day of the test, as they may interfere with the electrode placement.

3. Encourage relaxation

For an accurate reading, your child needs to lie still during the test. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or listening to a favorite song before the test can help them stay calm and still when they need to.

4. Reassure your child and offer support

Let your child know you’ll be with them throughout the test. Some children feel more at ease if they bring a comfort item, like a stuffed animal or blanket, and your child is welcome to bring whatever makes them feel comfortable into our office.

Remember that an ECG is a simple yet important test that can provide valuable information about your child’s heart health. Preparing your child in advance can help them feel more comfortable and confident, so we can get accurate ECG results and develop a care plan that meets their needs. Call Cardiology Care for Children at 717-925-8300 to learn more or to schedule an appointment today.