An ECG, or electrocardiograph, is a test that can be performed to assess your heart’s electrical activity and rhythm. We will attach sensors to your skin that detect the electrical activity every time your heart beats, and our machine records these in an ECG. These can usually be interpreted by your doctor, or we can have our cardiologist summarise the findings for you if you are seeing us privately.

There are different types of ECG available, but what we offer is a 12-Lead ECG, which is more comprehensive than what you would get from a device such as a smart watch. The ECG is performed by somebody who has been trained to perform them accurately, and this produces what looks like a graph. An ECG cannot usually be interpreted unless you have had training previously, so usually will be interpreted by a doctor.

Often an ECG will be performed at your local GP surgery prior to being referred to us for an echocardiogram, but occasionally we may also do an ECG for you when you visit us if we need further information specifically about your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.

To prepare for an ECG appointment, you will need to undress your top half of clothing so a series of stickers can be placed on your chest area. We also need to put a couple of stickers on your ankles, so we recommend not wearing tights. The appointment should only last around 10 minutes and the ECG itself will be available almost immediately afterwards. If our consultant cardiologist is providing a summary, then please allow 24 hours for this to take place.