Why is a patient instructed to remain still during an EKG?

A patient is instructed to remain still during an EKG primarily to prevent motion artifact. Motion artifact refers to any interference or distortion of the EKG signal caused by movements from the patient. When a patient moves, even slightly, it can result in changes to the baseline of the EKG tracing, making it difficult to accurately interpret the heart's electrical activity. This can lead to misdiagnosis or the need for repeat EKGs, increasing the overall time and cost of patient care.

Maintaining stillness optimizes the quality of the EKG recording, allowing for clearer and more accurate results that healthcare providers can rely on for assessment and diagnosis. This practice is crucial for obtaining a reliable cardiac assessment, ensuring that any findings from the EKG accurately reflect the patient’s heart function without the complications introduced by movement.