Not Medical Advice: According to MedlinePlus, if you are having a resting electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), make sure your health care provider knows about all the medicines you are taking. Some drugs can interfere with test results.
Do not exercise or drink cold water immediately before an ECG because these actions may cause false results.
If you are having an exercise ECG, you must not eat, smoke, or drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for 3 hours (or more) before the test. In most cases, you will be asked to avoid caffeine for 24 hours before the test. This includes:
Tea and coffee
All sodas, even ones that are labeled caffeine-free
Chocolates
Certain pain relievers that contain caffeine
Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing to allow you to exercise.
Ask your provider if you should take any of your regular medicines on the day of the test. Some medicines may interfere with test results. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking sildenafil citrate (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) and have taken a dose within the past 24 to 48 hours.
To learn more about electrocardiogram, visit MedlinePlus.
Get Heart Health Tips From a Top Cardiologist at WebMD.