Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Electrocardiograms are a non-invasive and virtually painless assessment that records the electrical signals in the heart using a 12-lead series of stickers and wires applied across the chest. This test displays a graph of voltage versus time of the electrical activity of the heart, which is called an electrogram and is helpful in patients with possible symptoms of cardiac disease.
All 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, which, using electrodes placed on the skin, displays a graph of voltage versus time of the electrical activity of the heart. The data formed is called an electrogram.
What happens during the procedure?
This zero-risk procedure offers our clients 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) assessment uses a series of stickers and wires, which are 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 suggest underlying structural problems with the heart muscle, such as cardiomyopathy.
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, with 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 worries, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team for more information or book your ECG appointment online now with no GP referral necessary.
What issues does an ECG test for?
There are multiple issues that an ECG can test for, some of differing severity, delivering a visual representation of the heart’s electrical activity and rhythm. Some of the issues an ECG tests for include:
Those with palpitations feel a sensation of rapid, irregular, forceful, or skipped heartbeats, which are usually the result of a heart rhythm abnormality. This includes conditions where the heart’s rhythm becomes completely irregular, such as Atrial fibrillation, or those who develop 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, and in patients with severe coronary artery disease, identifying the signs of a blocked artery during an electrocardiogram.
Rarely, an ECG can pick up inherited conditions in people without symptoms, such as Arrhythmia syndromes, which run in families, 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, including removing any bras, and then don a disposable gown. Furthermore, 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 our procedures, our electrocardiogram tests are carried out by highly trained, knowledgeable, and experienced specialists who are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive as comfortable and relaxing an experience as possible.
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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 electrogram 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, 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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