You will be given an ECG if you have recently had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with heart failure. The test is safe and easy, and does not hurt.
In addition, you may be asked to come to the clinic regularly for routine check ups on your condition.
Echocardiograms are also used for newborn babies and infants.
ECG tests
ECG
Small patches are attached to your chest, with wires leading to the ECG recorder. This is to to monitor your heart rate. The ECG machine records your heartbeat.
This only takes around 5 minutes.
Exercise ECG
For an exercise ECG you will walk, or run if you wish, on the treadmill.
The exercise test will slowly become faster or have more resistance and the doctor or Cardiographer will carefully check your ECG reading, blood pressure and pulse.
You will be asked to stop when sufficient measurements have been taken. Should you experience any chest pain or become very short of breath, the test will be stopped immediately.
The test normally takes around 30 minutes to complete.
What happens after my test?
If you have been referred by your GP, your results will be sent back to your GP.
If you have come from a clinic, you will be given the results by the cardiographer. You will return to the clinic to see your consultant to discuss your results.
How can I be referred into the service?
You will be referred into the service by your GP or your local hospital.
If you have come to the outpatient clinic to see a doctor, they may request that you have an ECG that day.
If you have come to have an operation of any kind, you may be given an ECG test to make sure there are no problems with your heart function.
