Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive and painless assessment that records the electrical signals of the heart using stickers and wires applied across the chest. This test generates a graph of voltage versus time of the heart’s electrical activity, and can be very informative in patients with possible symptoms of cardiac disease.
All of our ECGs are carried out by experienced and qualified Doctors.
Explore more about this procedure and what to expect when visiting an EchoMed clinic below.
What is an Electrocardiogram (ECG)?
An electrocardiogram is a procedure that records the heart’s electrical activity through repeated cardiac cycles. Using electrodes and wires attached to the skin across the front of the chest, the test generates a graph of voltage versus time of the heart’s electrical activity.
What happens during the procedure?
This zero-risk procedure offers our patients immediate results, with a member of our specialist Team taking the time to explain your results straight away.
When undergoing an ECG assessment at EchoMed, you will receive an industry-leading, thorough, and non-invasive test. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) uses a series of stickers and wires applied across the chest to record the heart’s electrical activity, and is the most useful, non-invasive assessment of the heart’s electrical wiring and rhythm. Undergoing ECG testing can also identify underlying structural problems with the heart muscle, such as cardiomyopathy, even in the absence of symptoms.
No specific preparations are required for an ECG procedure, meaning you may eat, drink, and take any regular medications as usual.
Who needs an Electrocardiogram?
An ECG is an essential test in patients with possible symptoms of cardiac disease, such as chest pain, palpitations, or breathlessness. This procedure can also be effective in those without symptoms, identifying certain conditions in which abnormal electrical wiring in the heart may not necessarily cause symptoms in the early stages, such as bundle branch block or axis deviation.
At EchoMed, we recommend a private electrocardiogram to anyone who has any concerns about their heart’s rhythm or wants reassurance about the function of their heart. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our expert Team for more information, or book your ECG appointment online now (no GP referral necessary).
What issues does an ECG test for?
There are multiple issues that an ECG can test for:
Those with palpitations feel a sensation of rapid, irregular, forceful, or skipped heartbeats, which are usually the result of a heart rhythm abnormality. This can be the result of the heart’s rhythm becoming completely irregular, such as occurs in Atrial Fibrillation, or may suggest an electrical short circuit, where the heart’s rhythm becomes very fast, such as supraventricular tachycardia, or SVT.
In people with chest pain, an ECG can also identify signs of strain on the heart, including features of a blocked coronary artery.
Rarely, an ECG can pick up hereditary conditions in people without symptoms, such as inherited arrhythmias including long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome. ECGs are therefore essential in anybody with a family history of sudden death.
What to expect when visiting EchoMed for an ECG test?
During your electrocardiogram (ECG), ten electrode stickers are applied across the front of the torso, requiring patients to undress from the waist up and don a disposable gown. Chest hair may need to be shaved to ensure good skin contact with the electrodes.
Wires are then attached to the electrodes, at which point a painless recording of the heart’s rhythm is performed, delivering instantaneous results. As with all of our procedures, our electrocardiogram tests are carried out by highly trained, knowledgeable, and experienced Doctors who are dedicated to ensuring our patients receive a comfortable and relaxing experience.
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The next steps after your Electrocardiogram test
At EchoMed, once your ECG test is completed, your Doctor will provide your results immediately, taking the time to explain the data to you. If a serious heart rhythm disorder is detected, we will arrange the necessary follow-up steps.
Are you interested in booking a private electrocardiogram? You can book your appointment online now, or for more information, please contact our Team today.
Book an appointment
In just a few clicks, you can arrange an appointment that suits you. Book with EchoMed today. Whether you are concerned about unexplained symptoms, or simply wish to exclude any problems which may cause trouble later in life, our scans can help.
How To Find Us
Our Surrey Hills (Farnham) clinic is conveniently located just off the A31. We are situated inside the Carlton Yard Clinic (postcode: GU9 7RD), which can be accessed on foot off the southwest corner of Farnham Central Car Park.
From the car park, you will see a selection of signs attached to the exterior wall of the Carlton Yard Clinic (including ‘EchoMed: The Cardiac Ultrasound Clinic’). Walk around the left-hand side of this building, turn right in front of The Silver Sea restaurant, and continue through an archway with a metal gate. This gate is usually open – if not, please buzz the intercom and our team will assist you. The wooden door to the Carlton Yard Clinic is through this arch and immediately on the right.
Our South Coast (Emsworth) clinic is within minutes of the A27. We are situated on the ground floor of the Hampshire Health building (97 Havant Road, postcode: PO10 7LF), which offers free parking to the rear. On arrival, our receptionists will show you to the waiting area.
If you have any issues finding either of our clinics, please call 0333 444 3246 for assistance.
EchoMed: SOUTH COAST CLINIC
Hampshire Health
97 Havant Road, Emsworth
PO10 7LF
EchoMed: SURREY HILLS CLINIC
The Carlton Yard Clinic, Unit 1, Carlton Yd,
Victoria Rd, Farnham
GU9 7RD
0333 444 3246
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