ECG Examination, Interpretation and Advice
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that can help diagnose certain heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart.
Small sticky dots (electrodes) and wire leads are placed on your chest, arms and legs. The leads attach to the ECG machine (electrocardiograph) which records the electrical activity of the heart muscle and displays this as a trace on a screen or on paper.
Any abnormality in the heart rhythm or rate, or damage to the heart muscle, can change the electrical activity of the heart. A doctor will examine the trace and look for specific features of different heart conditions.
An ECG can help diagnose:
- conditions involving the heart’s electrical system
- heart attacks
- abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) – rapid, slow or irregular heart beats
- poor blood supply to the heart
- heart inflammation (pericarditis or myocarditis)
- Cardiac arrest.
An ECG is a simple test that usually doesn’t need any special preparation.
- You can eat and drink as normal before having an ECG (unless your doctor has advised otherwise).
- Always let your doctor know what medicines you are taking before you have an ECG.
- Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to adhesive tapes, as an adhesive is needed to attach the electrodes to the skin.
- You will need to remove your upper clothing so that electrodes can be attached to your chest, arms and legs. Wearing a separate top with trousers or a skirt can allow easy access to the chest. Underwire in a bra can interfere with the ECG reading – you may be asked to remove it before the test.
- An ECG works best when the skin is clean and dry, and free of oils and lotions. Sometimes the skin is shaved if necessary because hair prevents the electrodes from sticking properly to the skin.
After an ECG, the electrodes are removed from the skin. You can resume normal activities immediately.
A doctor can usually interpret the results of your ECG straight away based on your medical history, symptoms and clinical examination.
The results of your ECG will help determine what treatment you need, if any.
At Mediprima Healthcare, we are committed in providing comprehensive and personalised healthcare services to accommodate the health needs. Our doctors will discuss the various treatments available to find the treatment most suitable for you.