ECG

You will need to lie as still as possible during the test as any sudden movements will make it hard to get a good quality recording. The test only takes a few minutes in total. Having an ECG involves placing small, sticky patches (called electrodes) on your chest wrists andankles. These electrodes are connected to a few leads which link up to the ECG machine.

Yes. An ECG is completely safe, painless, and non-invasive. No electricity is passed into your body during the test. The electrodes simply detect and record the electrical signals your heart naturally produces. There are no side effects or risks associated with having an ECG.

An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and is used to assess heart rate, rhythm, and detect certain conditions. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart that produces images of its structure, valves, and pumping function. Both are useful cardiac tests but provide different types of information. Your doctor will advise which is most appropriate for your situation.

A doctor may recommend an ECG if you are experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. It may also be recommended as part of a routine health check, to monitor a known heart condition, or before certain surgical procedures. Some medications also require regular ECG monitoring.

Yes. At Friends Medical Service you can book an ECG directly without needing a referral from your own GP. Our in-house GP will review your results and discuss the findings with you as part of your appointment. If a clinician has given you a referral, please submit it anyways as it may be useful for our GP.

There is no special preparation required. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand. On the day, avoid applying body lotion, oils, or moisturiser to your chest, arms, or legs as this can affect the quality of the electrode contact. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove from the upper body.

An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart but does not directly measure risk factors such as cholesterol levels. High LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are among the leading contributors to heart disease, and many people have elevated levels without any symptoms. Combining an ECG with a cholesterol blood panel gives a much more complete picture of your cardiovascular health and risk profile.

We would recommend you book the Heart Health Package to get a comprehensive analysis.