How is an EKG (electrocardiogram) performed? Your EKG will be performed in a hospital, clinic, doctor’s office, or sometimes in the home or an ambulance. A standard or resting EKG, the most common type of EKG, takes a few minutes. It generally includes these steps: You will recline in a comfortable position. Your provider will attach sticky patches, or electrodes, to your chest and possibly your arms and legs or hips and shoulders. This is painless.