Why might I need an ECG?

An ECG is a requirement for many work, travel or sports medicals. Summerfield Healthcare carries out this test with a specially trained healthcare professional at our clinic. 

It can also be used to investigate symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting and palpitations which could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis) or angina. 

Other heart problems that may be detected: 

• 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 

You may also need an ECG to confirm that prescribed medicines aren’t causing side effects that affect the heart. 

This test can also check the health of the heart when other diseases or conditions are present. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and a family history of early heart disease. 

What will the test entail?

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for the test and 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. 

The test takes between 10 and 15 minutes to perform, depending on what is being tested for. 

Ten leads are placed on your body, six on your chest and one on each of your limbs in order for the doctor to get a 360 view of your heart function. 

There is no sensation for you, it is like having ten small stethoscopes placed on to you however instead of sound being registered it is the electricity that your pulse generates which is recorded. 

The graph which is generated by your pulse is then analysed by an expert to confirm that everything is as it should be. 

ECG at Home

Summerfield Healthcare now offer an ECG-at-Home service, allowing you to monitor your heart activity in the comfort of your own home. Simply place your order on the booking portal below, our delivery partners will contact you regarding delivery and send you the equipment promptly. Wear the ECG Holter for the allotted time and then send it back for the reporting of your results.