Introduction
The medication that you are prescribed requires you to have an annual electrocardiogram (ECG). This leaflet gives more information on what this involves.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the clinical team.
What is an ECG?
An ECG is the most common heart test performed.
It is a recording of the electrical signals your heart generates as it beats. These signals travel through the heart along special pathways, instructing the heart muscles how to beat correctly. The presence of these signals can be detected on the surface of your skin using an ECG machine. The machine does this through small sticky electrodes attached to wires that are put onto the skin on your chest. An ECG is a quick, safe and painless test.
The ECG machine records these signals over a short period of time and plots them onto a graph. The shape of the recordings on the graph can help the doctor see if your heart has a problem or if it is beating normally.
What are the benefits?
The five most common benefits of recording an electrocardiogram are as follows:
- To help diagnose the cause of chest pain.
- To find out more about the rhythm of the heart.
- To investigate if someone has a heart murmur.
- To examine the heart in someone who has high blood pressure. For reassurance in someone who is worried they have a heart problem.
What are the risks?
The test is very safe and does not have side effects.
Are there any alternatives to this test?
This may be one of a number of tests suggested to diagnose your condition. It is your choice as to whether you have the ECG test; however it is highly recommended that you do.
How do I prepare for the test?
There is no special preparation for the test. You can eat and drink as normal before it. Please avoid using talcum powder and perfume on the day of your appointment and remove jewellery such as necklaces and watches.
What happens during the test?
The ECG technician will ask you to undress to your waist and then take a seat on the chair. They will put sticky ECG electrodes on your chest. Females may need to adjust or remove their bra and males may need a little hair removed to allow the stickers to stick. Once the electrodes are connected to the ECG machine you will be covered up with a light blanker. The ECG machine will record your heartbeat for a specified time then it will print out the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take?
Once you have been connected to the ECG machine, the actual test will only take a few minutes.
What happens after the test?
You can go home and continue with your normal activities.
How do I get the results?
We will send your report back to your prescribing doctor who asked for the test. They will be in touch to discuss the results and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.