Electrocardiogram ECG

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. It records the heart's rhythm and activity on a graph, helping diagnose various heart conditions.

You might need an ECG if you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or if you have a history of heart disease. It is also commonly used in routine health check-ups and preoperative assessments.

An ECG is performed by attaching small sticky sensors called electrodes to your skin. These are placed on your arms, legs, and chest. The test is painless, quick, and usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Yes, an ECG is a safe and non-invasive test. There are no risks associated with it, apart from a potential slight irritation from the adhesive electrodes.

No special preparation is needed for a standard ECG. However, it is advisable to avoid applying lotions or oils on your skin beforehand as they might interfere with the electrode adhesion.

Wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or adjusted, as you may need to expose your chest area for the placement of electrodes.

Yes, you can eat and drink normally before an ECG. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.

ECG results can often be interpreted immediately by the healthcare provider performing the test. However, in some cases, a specialist may review the results later and provide a report.

While an ECG can detect many heart-related issues such as arrhythmias and signs of heart disease, it might not capture problems that are intermittent or related to other parts of the cardiovascular system. Further testing may be necessary for a comprehensive evaluation.

Abnormal ECG results could indicate a range of issues, such as a previous heart attack, arrhythmia, or other heart conditions. It's important to discuss the results with a healthcare professional to understand their significance.

Yes, anxiety and stress can affect heart rate and rhythm, potentially impacting ECG results. However, the healthcare provider will consider this when interpreting the test.

Yes, besides the standard resting ECG, there are other types such as the Holter monitor (a continuous 24-48 hour recording) and a stress test ECG, which is conducted during physical exercise.

In the UK, an ECG is usually available for free on the NHS if required for medical reasons. Private healthcare providers may charge around £50 to £150.

An ECG can indicate if a heart attack has occurred or is currently happening by detecting changes in the heart's electrical activity. However, it is often used in conjunction with other tests for a definitive diagnosis.

Radiographers often do not perform ECGs; this task is typically carried out by trained nurses or cardiac technologists. However, radiographers may be involved in related imaging tests like echocardiograms.