An ECG or ‘heart tracing’ is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart on to paper.

HOW IS AN ECG DONE?

Sticky disc type electrodes with wires attached will be applied to the limbs and chest. These wires are attached to a machine for recording the electricity in the heart. The procedure usually takes 5-10 minutes.

WHY IS AN ECG USEFUL?

The ECG gives information about the heart rhythm, but can also indicate if the heart muscle or heart chambers are abnormal. It can indicate whether the heart has been affected by a previous heart attack, whether heart muscle is abnormally thick or thin, whether there is disease of the heart valves and also the cause of dizziness or blackouts. It is an excellent, relatively inexpensive, quick and non-invasive screening test.

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