ECG (Electrocardiogram)

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most commonly used tests within cardiology and it is likely that you will have an ECG if you visit the out-patients department. You will be asked to undress from the waist upwards and lie on a couch. 12 stickers (known as electrodes) will be placed on the front of your chest and your arms and legs. These stickers are attached using wires to the ECG machine which records the electric signals emitted from the heart. You will be asked to lie very still whilst the recording is being made but this only usually takes a few seconds. Once a good quality recording has been made you are able to get dressed again.
Although an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a very simple and quick test, it can tell us a lot about your how your heart functions.