An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, non-invasive test that records your heart’s electrical activity. Small sensors are placed on your chest, arms, and legs to capture your heart’s rhythm and electrical signals. This test helps cardiologists assess how well your heart is functioning and detect any irregularities in rhythm or structure.
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Your heart specialist may recommend an ECG for several different reasons related to your heart health and symptoms.
An electrocardiogram offers several advantages for understanding and monitoring your heart health.
The test takes only a few minutes to complete and causes no discomfort. You can receive immediate results that help your doctor make informed decisions about your care.
An ECG can identify heart conditions before you experience noticeable symptoms. Early detection allows for timely treatment that may prevent more serious complications from developing.
The test helps your doctor track how well heart medications or treatments are working. Regular ECGs can show improvements in your heart’s function or identify when treatment adjustments are needed.
Unlike some cardiac tests, an ECG requires no injections, radiation, or special preparations. The procedure can be performed quickly in most medical settings without any recovery time needed.
An ECG provides information about your heart’s electrical system and rhythm patterns. This helps doctors distinguish between different types of heart conditions and plan appropriate treatment approaches.
Different ECG techniques may be used depending on your specific situation and what your doctor needs to assess.
Standard 12-lead ECG |
This is the most common type, using twelve electrodes placed on your chest, arms, and legs. It provides a comprehensive view of your heart’s electrical activity. |
Exercise stress ECG |
Your heart rhythm is monitored while you walk on a treadmill or use an exercise bike. This test shows how your heart responds to physical activity and can reveal problems that only appear during exertion. |
Holter monitor |
You wear a portable ECG device for 24 to 48 hours during your normal daily activities. This extended monitoring captures heart rhythm changes that might occur intermittently throughout the day. |
Preparation for an ECG is straightforward and requires minimal steps to ensure accurate results.
Medication review: Continue taking your regular medications unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise. Some heart medications may affect ECG results, but stopping them without medical guidance could be harmful.
Activity restrictions: Avoid vigorous exercise or caffeine for several hours before your test if advised by your doctor. These factors can temporarily affect your heart rate and rhythm patterns.
Medical history information: Bring a list of your current medications and any previous heart conditions or treatments. This information helps your doctor interpret your ECG results more accurately.
The ECG procedure follows a systematic approach to ensure accurate recording of your heart’s electrical activity.
Electrode Placement |
Small, sticky patches called electrodes are attached to specific locations on your chest, arms, and legs. The technician may need to clean or shave small areas of skin to ensure good contact. |
Lead Wire Connection |
Wires from the ECG machine are connected to each electrode to transmit your heart’s electrical signals. The machine will begin recording your heart rhythm as soon as all connections are secure. |
Recording Phase |
You will be asked to lie very still while the machine records your heart’s electrical activity for about 10 seconds. Talking, moving, or coughing during this time can interfere with the accuracy of the recording. |
Completion And Electrode Removal |
Once the recording is complete, the electrodes are gently removed from your skin. You can dress immediately as there is no recovery time needed after the procedure. |
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Resume normal activities: You can return to your usual daily activities straight after the ECG is completed. There are no restrictions on driving, working, or physical activities following the test.
No recovery period required: An ECG is completely non-invasive, so there is no recovery time needed.
Results discussion: Your cardiologist will explain your ECG findings and what they mean for your heart health. If abnormalities are detected, they will discuss next steps, ongoing monitoring, or additional tests that may be needed.
An ECG is considered one of the safest medical tests, with virtually no risks or complications. The most common issue is minor skin irritation from the electrode adhesive, which typically resolves within a few hours.
A consultation with a qualified heart specialist in Singapore ensures your ECG is performed appropriately and any concerns about the procedure or your heart health are thoroughly addressed.
You will need to remove clothing from your upper body and expose your arms and legs for electrode placement. A hospital gown will be provided to ensure your comfort and privacy during the procedure.
Yes, you can bring a family member or friend to accompany you to your ECG appointment. They can usually stay in the room during the test if you prefer their support.
If your ECG reveals any irregularities, your cardiologist will discuss the findings with you and explain what they mean. Depending on the results, you may need additional tests or monitoring to determine the best course of action.
ECG results are usually available immediately after the test is completed. Your cardiologist can often provide initial findings during your appointment, with a detailed written report following shortly afterwards.
In most cases, you should continue taking your regular medications as prescribed. However, your doctor may ask you to adjust certain heart medications before the test, so always follow their specific instructions.
Dr. Kua is a senior consultant cardiologist specialised in interventional cardiology and is the medical director at Carrington Cardiology.
Prior to this, he served as an International Cardiology Fellow and Honorary Consultant at Hammersmith Hospital Imperial Healthcare Trust, where he gained valuable experience in various prestigious healthcare institutions.
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
