An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity.
An ECG test is used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the such as chest pain, palpitations (suddenly noticeable heartbeats), dizziness and shortness of breath.
It is a requirement for many work and Travel Visas and Sports Medicals.
The test is carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional at our clinic.
An ECG can be used to investigate symptoms of a possible heart problem and detect:
- Arrhythmias – where there is an abnormal heart rhythm and electrical activity (beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly)
- Coronary heart disease – where the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances
- Heart attacks – where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked
- Cardiomyopathy – where the heart walls become thickened or enlarged
A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication known to potentially affect the heart.
For a specialist interpretation of the ECG, Summerfield Healthcare is able to expand the report to include an adjusted measured view of QTc measurements. This allows much more accurate results than simply reviewing the printed electrocardiogram.
You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the test. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand.
Before the electrodes are attached, you’ll usually need to remove your upper clothing, and your chest may need to be shaved or cleaned before the ECG recording.
Summerfield Healthcare offers private healthcare and always administer an outstanding standard of patient care.