Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An Electrocardiogram or ECG is a simple test that takes a snapshot of the electrical activity of your heart. This is measured using twelve electrodes that are temporarily attached to your chest using sticky dots.
Why am I having an ECG?
An ECG is performed so that our cardiologists can assess the rhythm and speed your heart is beating during the test. The rhythm of your heart can change throughout the day, so an ECG will only capture an abnormal rhythm if it happens while the test is being conducted.
What happens during an ECG?
An ECG is performed by a cardiac technician and is a common test that is usually performed prior to seeing on of our cardiologists.
Our cardiac technician will:
- Ask you to take off your top.
- Attach 12 sticky dots containing electrodes to your chest, with wires that connect to a small monitor.
- Ask you to lie still and breathe normally.
- The monitor will capture the electrical activity of your heart and print it on paper.
How long does this test take?
An ECG will take about 10-15 minutes to perform
What to wear?
The cardiac technician will need access to your chest, so it is best to dress in a two piece outfit on the day of your test.
What to bring?
Please ensure you bring a copy of your referral with you.
My results?
If you ECG is performed before a consultation with one of our cardiologists any abnormal results will form part of the discussion. Otherwise your results will be sent back to your referring doctor.