An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a frequently performed investigation as part of a heart (cardiology) assessment. It is a simple, non-invasive test.
To acquire an ECG, stickers are attached to your chest wall, wrists and ankles, to which leads are attached which are connected to the ECG machine. An ECG is a quick, painless investigation, taking about 5 minutes to acquire.
The ECG records the electrical activity of the heart, and provides useful information relevant to practically all cardiology symptoms and conditions. Conditions the ECG helps diagnose include heart attacks, different types of abnormal heart rhythm and abnormality of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
