12-lead ECG

An ECG is a simple, painless test that looks at the electrical rhythm of your heart. It involves sticking a few sticky dots (electrodes) on your arms, legs and across your chest.

The test only takes a few minutes of you lying in a relaxed position. The test is normally carried out by a cardiac physiologist or a cardiographer. Sometimes a nurse may perform this procedure. Women may ask for a female physiologist and can be provided with a gown if they wish.

By placing the electrodes in specific positions we can create a reproducible pattern that gives the cardiologist (heart doctor) very useful information on your heart. They can also be compare with any previous ECGs you make have had. The ECG is the starting point for all cardiology investigations.

A copy of the tracing is produced immediately and is usually given to you to take back to the requesting doctor. You may be sent to the department for several investigations at once, so please look after any results given to you until you return to see the cardiologist.

Some tests are required by doctors other than cardiologists, these are sometimes kept within the department for reporting by a cardiologist and the results are then sent on to the referring doctor.