ECG (Electrocardiogram)

An ECG (or electrocardiogram) is a simple investigation used to measure the electrical activity, rate, and rhythm of your heart and can uncover abnormalities, including damage to the heart muscle, and changes in the electrical control of the heart rhythm.

At New Victoria Hospital, ECG’s are carried out at the request of any doctor including specialist Cardiologists. Any patient who is referred for an ECG at New Victoria Hospital will benefit from our unrivalled experience and expertise, which includes a thorough consultation and the very highest standard of care from initial diagnosis to after-care.

What is an ECG?

An ECG is recorded using sensors which are attached to the arms, legs, and chest, and are wired up to the ECG monitor. The test typically lasts for a few minutes and measures the production and transmission of electrical signals with each heartbeat.

The results are reflected in a graph, with spikes which represent the heartbeat in a repetitive pattern. Each spike has three main peaks which, when healthy, will present in a very particular way. Abnormalities which are observed in this graph can then be further explored by your doctor or consultant.

Getting an ECG with New Victoria Hospital

At New Victoria Hospital our team of heart specialists work closely with local doctors and GP surgeries, providing support with every day and more complex ECG tests and readings.

We work with patients who are experiencing new symptoms, as well as those with known heart conditions who need to monitor their heartbeat over time. Results are usually processed and discussed immediately after the test is complete. However in some cases your results may be passed back to the doctor who requested the ECG so they can discuss the best treatment options with you at a later date.

How to know if I need an ECG?

Patients who are referred for an ECG will likely be exhibiting a set of symptoms which are commonly linked to a heart condition or abnormality. Some of the most common symptoms of a heart condition which may cause your doctor to recommend you for an ECG include:

· Chest pain

· Dizziness

· Shortness of breath

· Heart palpitations or a noticeably irregular heartbeat

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, an ECG can be used to diagnose underlying conditions and can help our team of doctors to understand what may be causing your discomfort.

In many cases, an ECG is the first step towards uncovering and then treating a heart condition which could, if left untreated, cause more serious heart problems.

Which ECG might I need?

There are three main types of ECG which are carried out at New Victoria Hospital. These are:

· A resting ECG - conducted while you’re lying down comfortably

· A stress ECG - carried out during and after exercise

· An ambulatory ECG - carried out over an extended period of time at home (this can be from 24 hours to 7 days, during which time you can continue with your normal daily routine, including exercise)

Which type of ECG is required will depend on the specific symptoms, and when and how they typically occur. Whichever ECG you require, you can rest assured that our team will guide you through the process from consultation through to your ECG test, before delivering a coordinated treatment plan according to the outcome.

If you would like to receive more information on how an ECG works and to determine if you may need one at New Victoria Hospital, please call us on 020 8949 9020 or fill out our online form. Our team of dedicated heart specialists will identify if you need an ECG, which type of test is best suited to your symptoms, and create a long term plan for treatment.

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