ECG Test in Grand Rapids, Michigan

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a common, non-invasive heart test used every day in Grand Rapids hospitals and clinics to check how your heart’s electrical system is working. You may have an ECG done at facilities such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Mercy Health, or through your Grand Rapids primary care provider or cardiologist.

What Is an ECG?

An ECG records the electrical activity of your heart.

Small sticky dots called electrodes are placed on your:

  • Chest
  • Arms
  • Legs

Wires (leads) connect the electrodes to the ECG machine (electrocardiograph). The machine records your heart’s electrical signals and displays them as a waveform (trace) on a screen or prints them on paper.

Doctors in Grand Rapids use this trace to look for:

  • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Signs of a past or current heart attack
  • Poor blood supply to the heart
  • Thickened or enlarged heart muscle
  • Inflammation of the heart (pericarditis or myocarditis)

Heart Conditions an ECG Can Help Diagnose

An ECG test can help diagnose or evaluate:

  • Heart attacks (past or ongoing)
  • Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) – fast, slow, or irregular heartbeats
  • Poor blood flow to the heart (ischemia), including angina
  • Heart inflammation – such as pericarditis or myocarditis
  • Cardiac arrest risk or electrical problems in the heart
  • Effects of certain heart medications
  • Function of implantable devices, like pacemakers

Heart disease is a major concern in Michigan, especially with risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. ECG testing is a key tool used by cardiology teams across Grand Rapids to catch problems early.

Symptoms That May Lead to an ECG in Grand Rapids

Your Grand Rapids doctor may recommend an ECG if you are experiencing:

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Pain or discomfort in your arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Palpitations – feeling like your heart is racing, fluttering, thumping, or pounding
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fainting or near-fainting
  • Unexplained fatigue or weakness
  • Sweating or cold sweats
  • Nausea, indigestion, or vomiting (especially with chest discomfort)
  • Warning signs of a heart attack or angina

Cold Michigan winters, shoveling heavy snow, and sudden exertion in freezing temperatures can put extra strain on the heart. If you notice any of these symptoms – especially during physical activity in the cold – contact a healthcare provider right away or call 911.

Your doctor may also order an ECG if you:

  • Have already been diagnosed with a heart condition
  • Are taking heart medications that affect rhythm or heart rate
  • Have an implantable device, such as a permanent pacemaker
  • Have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a strong family history of heart disease

Types of ECG Tests

In Grand Rapids, cardiology departments and clinics commonly offer three main types of ECG:

1. Resting ECG

For a resting ECG:

  • You lie down on an exam table.
  • Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
  • You are asked to lie still and not talk or move, because muscle activity can interfere with the recording.

Time: Usually 5–10 minutes.

This is the most common type of ECG and is widely available at:

  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Outpatient cardiology clinics
  • Primary care offices with ECG equipment

2. Ambulatory ECG (Holter Monitor)

An ambulatory ECG, often called a Holter monitor, records your heart rhythm over a longer period (usually at least 24 hours).

  • You wear a small, portable recorder attached to electrodes on your chest.
  • You can move around and do normal daily activities while wearing it.
  • You may be given a diary or app to record symptoms (for example, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness) and the time they occur.

Your doctor might recommend an ambulatory ECG if:

  • Your symptoms are intermittent (come and go) and may not show up on a short resting ECG.
  • You are recovering from a heart attack and your doctor wants to monitor your heart rhythm.
  • You have unexplained fainting spells or palpitations.

Many cardiology practices in Grand Rapids, including those affiliated with Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and Metro Health, provide Holter monitoring.

3. Exercise Stress Test (Stress ECG)

An exercise stress test shows how your heart works during physical activity.

  • You are connected to an ECG machine.
  • You walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary exercise bike.
  • The speed and incline may gradually increase.
  • Your heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure are monitored throughout.

Time: Usually 15–30 minutes.

Sometimes, medicines are used instead of exercise to make your heart work harder; this may be done if you cannot exercise because of joint problems, lung disease, or other issues.

Stress tests are commonly used in Grand Rapids to:

  • Evaluate chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Check for coronary artery disease
  • Assess your heart before or after certain treatments or procedures

How to Prepare for an ECG

In most cases, an ECG is very simple and does not require special preparation.

You can usually:

  • Eat and drink normally before the test (unless your doctor gives other instructions)

However, you should:

  • Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal products. Some can affect heart rate or rhythm.
  • Let your doctor know if you have allergies to adhesive tapes or sensitive skin.

If you’re coming from work or school in Grand Rapids, it’s helpful to wear clothing that makes it easy to access your chest.

What to Wear to Your ECG Appointment

For an ECG in a Grand Rapids clinic or hospital:

  • Wear a separate top and bottom (for example, a shirt with pants or a skirt), so only your top needs to be removed.
  • You will need to remove upper clothing so electrodes can be placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
  • Underwire bras can interfere with the ECG reading; you may be asked to remove them.

Because Michigan weather can be cold for much of the year, you may be wearing multiple layers. Plan to arrive a few minutes early to remove jackets and sweaters so you are comfortable during the test.

Skin Preparation for an ECG

An ECG works best when your skin is:

  • Clean and dry
  • Free of oils, lotions, and creams

Sometimes the technician may:

  • Shave small areas of chest hair so the electrodes can stick properly.

This is a quick and minor step and helps ensure an accurate reading.

What Happens After an ECG?

Immediately After the Test

  • The electrodes and sticky pads are gently removed from your skin.
  • You can get dressed and go home or return to your normal activities right away.

Getting Your Results

A doctor – often a cardiologist or emergency physician in Grand Rapids – will:

  • Review your ECG trace
  • Compare it with your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam

In many cases, ECG results can be interpreted right away, especially in emergency or urgent care settings.

The results of your ECG will help determine:

  • Whether your heart rhythm is normal
  • Whether there are signs of a heart attack or reduced blood flow
  • What further tests or treatments, if any, are needed

Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment options for you, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, or follow-up testing.

When an ECG Is Normal but Symptoms Continue

It is possible to have a normal ECG even if you have a heart condition, especially if:

  • The condition does not affect the heart’s electrical activity, or
  • The problem is intermittent and not happening at the time of the test

If your ECG is normal but your Grand Rapids doctor is still concerned, they may recommend additional tests such as:

  • Physical examination (listening to heart and lung sounds)
  • Chest X-ray – looks at the lungs, heart size, and major blood vessels
  • Echocardiogram – ultrasound of the heart to see structure and pumping function
  • Cardiac MRI or CT scan – detailed images of the heart and chest
  • Blood tests – to check for heart damage, inflammation, or other conditions
  • Coronary angiogram – a test using dye and X-rays to look at the coronary arteries, often used to investigate chest pain or suspected heart attack

These tests are available through major hospital systems and cardiology practices throughout the Grand Rapids area.

Safety and Possible Complications of an ECG

An ECG is considered a very safe test:

  • It does not send electricity into your body. It only records your heart’s natural electrical signals.
  • It is non-invasive and painless.

Possible minor issues include:

  • Mild skin irritation, redness, or itchiness from the adhesive used to attach the electrodes
  • This usually resolves on its own and rarely needs treatment.

If you have sensitive skin or a known adhesive allergy, let the technician or nurse know before the test begins.

Where to Get an ECG Test in Grand Rapids, MI

You can get an ECG at many locations across the Grand Rapids metro area, including:

  • Hospital emergency departments

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health facilities

  • Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics

  • Primary care offices

  • Cardiology clinics

For non-emergency concerns, start with:

  • Your primary care provider (PCP)
  • Your cardiologist if you already see one

For public health information, heart disease prevention programs, and local resources, you can also contact:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs and community clinics

When to Call 911 in Grand Rapids

In an emergency, always call 911.

Seek immediate medical help if you or someone near you in Grand Rapids experiences:

  • Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back
  • Pain spreading to the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden sweating or cold sweats
  • Nausea, vomiting, or feeling very unwell
  • Sudden dizziness, fainting, or extreme weakness

Do not drive yourself to the hospital during a possible heart attack. Call 911 so paramedics can begin treatment on the way to the nearest emergency department.

Key Points About ECG Tests in Grand Rapids

  • An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a quick, non-invasive test that records your heart’s electrical activity.
  • It helps diagnose heart attacks, arrhythmias, poor blood flow, and other heart conditions.
  • Types of ECG include resting ECG, ambulatory (Holter) ECG, and exercise stress tests.
  • You can usually eat and drink normally before an ECG, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
  • Sometimes, chest hair is shaved so electrodes can stick properly.
  • Your ECG results help guide your treatment plan, if any is needed.
  • ECG testing is widely available throughout Grand Rapids, MI, at hospitals, clinics, and cardiology practices.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have concerns about your heart health, talk with your doctor about whether an ECG test is appropriate for you. Early testing and diagnosis can be especially important in a region like West Michigan, where cold weather, seasonal activity changes, and common risk factors can all affect heart health.