An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a quick, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity using electrodes placed on your chest, arms and legs. It is the most common first-line cardiac investigation.
A quick, painless test that records your heart's electrical activity to check rhythm problems, skipped beats and conduction abnormalities. Often performed alongside consultation as a first-line test.
The ECG (electrocardiogram) service within the cardiology specialty is designed to assess the electrical activity of the heart. During the face-to-face consultation, patients will be guided through the process of having electrodes placed on their chest, arms, and legs. This non-invasive procedure typically takes just a few minutes and allows healthcare providers to capture real-time data about the heart's rhythm and electrical conduction.
Patients can expect to discuss their symptoms with the provider, who will interpret the ECG results to diagnose potential heart issues, such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiovascular conditions. This service is crucial for determining the appropriate next steps in the patient's care, whether that involves further testing, lifestyle changes, or treatment plans.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a simple, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart using small sticky patches (electrodes) placed on your chest, arms and legs. It produces a tracing that shows your heart rhythm, rate and electrical conduction.
The recording itself takes only a few seconds. The full appointment, including electrode placement and discussion of results, is around 10 minutes.
No special preparation is needed. Avoid applying lotions or oils to your chest on the day and wear clothing that is easy to remove from the waist up. You can eat, drink and take your medications as normal.
No. An ECG is completely painless and non-invasive. The electrodes simply detect electrical signals — they do not deliver any electricity to your body.
No NHS referral is required. You can book directly with us for a private ECG with same-day results and specialist interpretation.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Balerdi, Consultant Imaging Cardiologist (FRCP) — Last reviewed: April 2026
No NHS referral required. Get rapid access to a private ECG with specialist interpretation and same-day results.