01 — Overview
About ECG
An ECG records the electrical signals that make your heart beat, using small sticky electrodes placed on the chest, arms and legs. It takes only a few minutes and involves no needles or radiation.
The tracing can show an irregular, fast or slow heartbeat, signs of reduced blood supply to the heart muscle, evidence of a current or previous heart attack, and strain on the heart.
02 — Who may need it
- 01Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
- 02Palpitations or a racing heartbeat
- 03Breathlessness, dizziness or fainting
- 04A routine heart check-up or a check before surgery
- 05Monitoring of known heart disease or the effect of medicines
03 — How it is done
- 1
Preparation
You lie down and electrodes are attached to your chest, arms and legs.
- 2
Recording
The machine records for a few seconds while you lie still and breathe normally.
- 3
Review
The electrodes are removed and your cardiologist reads the tracing.
04 — Before and after
- Preparation
- You will be told in advance about fasting, which medicines to continue or pause, and what to bring — usually your ID, previous reports and a list of current medicines.
- Duration & hospital stay
- Your cardiologist tells you how long the test or procedure takes and whether you can go home the same day, based on your case.
- Recovery & aftercare
- Before you leave you get a written plan for medicines, activity, work and driving, plus the date of your follow-up review.
- Risks, cost & insurance
- Risks, a cost estimate and your insurance or scheme options are explained to you and your family before consent is taken.
This page is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor. Whether you need this test or treatment is decided after a consultation.