Electrocardiogram (ECG)
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Request an AppointmentPlease note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Please note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Please note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Please note a referral letter is required before an appointment can be confirmed.
Useful Information
About this service
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
It is used to assess your heart rhythm as well as diagnose poor blood flow to the heart muscle (ischaemia), a heart attack or abnormalities of the heart.
The procedure
An ECG takes about ten minutes to complete with the recording of the heart rhythm itself, only taking a few seconds.
During a resting ECG, electrodes with adhesive pads will be attached to the skin of your chest, arms and legs.
Once ready to start, you will lie flat on a treatment couch, while the computer creates a picture of the electrical impulses traveling through your heart.
Following the procedure
The results of your ECG will be reviewed and explained to you by your consultant cardiologist.
If your results are normal, you may not need any further tests.
If the results highlight any issues with your heart, you may need a repeat ECG or other diagnostic tests, such as an echocardiogram. Treatment depends on what is causing the signs and symptoms of your irregular heartbeat.