GP Services

ECG

ECG Portsmouth

About this treatment

An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of your heart over a period of time, usually a few seconds. It provides valuable information about your heart’s rhythm, electrical conduction system, and can detect abnormalities or irregularities that may indicate heart disease or other cardiac conditions.

ECGs are commonly recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations (irregular heartbeats), dizziness, or fainting episodes. They are also routine in pre-operative assessments, for monitoring heart conditions, or as part of a general health check-up, especially for those with risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Appointment Time:

20-30 Minutes

Treatment Frequency:

As Advised

Waiting List:

Price:

In More Detail

During an ECG at Prema Health, you will lie comfortably on a table while electrodes (small, sticky patches) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to a machine that records the electrical impulses generated by your heart. The test is painless and typically takes only a few minutes to complete. You may be asked to remain still and breathe normally during the recording to ensure accurate results.

The benefits of an ECG are significant. ECGs can detect heart problems early, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms, allowing for prompt intervention and treatment. They help diagnose various heart conditions such as arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms), coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and abnormalities in the heart’s structure.

ECGs are commonly used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for heart conditions and to assess the impact of medications or lifestyle changes. Before surgery or certain medical procedures, the ECG ensures your heart is functioning properly and can handle the stress of the procedure.

For many, an ECG provides reassurance about their heart health, especially when results show normal function. It is a valuable tool in evaluating heart health, offering insights into your heart’s electrical activity, and aiding in the diagnosis and management of cardiac conditions. It’s a straightforward procedure that provides important information to our doctors, helping them guide your treatment plan and ensure your heart stays healthy for years to come. If you have any concerns about your heart health or experience symptoms, consulting with Prema Health’s trained and experienced doctors about an ECG can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is an ECG painful or uncomfortable?

No, an ECG is a painless and non-invasive procedure. During the test, small electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to record your heart’s electrical activity. You may feel a slight stickiness from the electrodes, but there is no discomfort involved. The procedure is quick and typically lasts only a few minutes.

2. Why might I need an ECG?

An ECG is recommended to evaluate your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. It helps diagnose various heart conditions such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and abnormalities in the heart’s structure. Your doctor may suggest an ECG if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting episodes. It is also routinely used in pre-operative assessments, to monitor known heart conditions, or as part of a general health check-up, especially if you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

3. What should I wear for an ECG?

You should wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your chest area. You will be asked to remove any jewellery or accessories that may interfere with the electrode placement. It’s helpful to wear a top that can be easily unbuttoned or lifted to facilitate electrode placement on your chest.

4. Are there any risks or side effects associated with an ECG?

No, an ECG is a safe procedure with no known risks or side effects. The electrodes used during the test are adhesive patches that do not cause any harm to your skin. The electrical impulses recorded by the electrodes are very low in intensity and pose no risk to your health. It’s a routine diagnostic tool used worldwide to assess heart health accurately.

5. How soon will I get the results of my ECG?

The results of your ECG are usually available immediately after the test is completed. Our doctors will review the results with you right away, explaining any findings and discussing next steps if necessary. In some cases, if your ECG is done as part of a larger evaluation or if further analysis is required, the doctor may provide a more detailed report at a follow-up appointment. It’s essential to discuss any questions or concerns you have about your results with the doctor for a clear understanding of your heart health.

Our GP Services Team

Meet the specialists who will likely be seeing you for your consultation or treatment.

Dr Perminder Sethi

A seasoned GP since 2005, he has honed his expertise extensively in urgent care settings.

Conditions Treated

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is invaluable for detecting various heart conditions by recording the electrical activity of the heart. Some of the key conditions that can be identified and treated through an ECG include:
Arrhythmias – these are irregular heart rhythms that can cause palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. An ECG can pinpoint the type and severity of arrhythmias, guiding appropriate treatment such as medications or procedures like cardioversion.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) – this occurs when the heart’s blood vessels become narrowed or blocked by plaque build-up. An ECG can reveal signs of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia) during exercise or stress tests, aiding in the diagnosis and management of CAD.

Heart Attacks (Myocardial Infarction) – ECGs are crucial in diagnosing heart attacks by detecting specific patterns of electrical changes that occur when heart muscle is damaged due to lack of blood flow.

Heart Enlargement (Cardiomyopathy) – an ECG can show signs of abnormal heart enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle, which may indicate cardiomyopathy. Early detection helps in managing the condition and preventing complications.

Structural Abnormalities – ECGs can identify abnormalities in the heart’s structure, such as congenital heart defects or valve disorders, guiding further diagnostic tests and treatment plans.

By providing valuable insights into these and other heart conditions, ECGs play a pivotal role in assessing heart health, initiating timely treatment, and ensuring optimal care for patients. Regular monitoring with ECGs helps our doctors track the effectiveness of treatments and make informed decisions to improve heart function and overall well-being.

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