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ECG

Accurate ECG testing to monitor heart health, detect abnormalities, and guide treatment.

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ECG
ECG

ECG

Overview

What is an ECG?

An ECG is the most common heart test performed, making it one of the most crucial diagnostic tools in cardiac care. This simple, painless test records your heart's electrical activity and is often the first test performed to assess heart health.

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a quick, painless test. It simply records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps doctors detect heart rhythm problems, heart damage, or signs of heart disease.

How an ECG Works

An ECG measures the heart's activity at rest, over time, or while exercising. The ECG machine measures and interprets the results using electrodes attached to your chest, arms, and legs.

If you’re having a resting ECG, you'll need to remove clothing on your upper body and lie on a bed. Electrodes are attached to various points and record your heartbeat for a few minutes. For an exercise ECG, electrodes are connected to your chest before you walk on a treadmill or cycle, with intensity gradually increasing over 40-60 minutes. The machine captures your heart's electrical patterns and displays them as waves on a monitor or paper.

What to Expect When Receiving an ECG

Before Your Appointment: No special preparation is needed for a standard ECG. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on your upper body. Avoid lotions or oils on your skin as these can interfere with electrode contact. For exercise ECGs, wear comfortable shoes and avoid heavy meals beforehand.

During Your Appointment: You'll lie still while small, sticky electrodes are positioned on your chest, arms, and legs. These connect to the ECG machine via wires. The actual recording takes just 5-10 minutes for a resting ECG. You may feel slight discomfort when electrodes are removed, similar to removing a plaster.

After Your Appointment: You can go back to all your normal activities immediately. Results may be available the same day, though some require specialist review. Your doctor will discuss findings and determine if further tests are needed based on the ECG results.

Risks and Complications of an ECG

An ECG is considered one of the safest medical tests with no associated risks or complications. The test is completely non-invasive and uses no electricity or radiation. You may experience slight skin irritation where the electrodes were placed, similar to removing a plaster. Some patients may develop a mild rash at electrode sites, but this typically resolves quickly without treatment.

How to Recover Following an ECG

No recovery time is needed after an ECG, as it involves no invasive procedures. You can drive home immediately and return to all your everyday activities, including work and exercise. For exercise ECG, you may feel slightly tired but can resume regular activities once you feel comfortable.

References

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Authors

This page was created on
22/8/2024
and the most recent update and clinical review was on
25/10/2025
.

ECG

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Our Prices

ECG
Price
ECG Including Report
£
130.00

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    Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.

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    Aftercare and Follow-Up

    If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.

How to receive private treatment at LivingCare - No GP referral is required.

Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps

  • 1

    Get in Touch

    Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry and we will work to find a time that suits you

  • 2

    We Arrange Your Appointment

    If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.

  • 3

    Attend Your Appointment

    Attend your appointment at your chosen time with highly qualified clinicians. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours with the option to upgrade to 24 hours.

  • 4

    Aftercare and Follow-Up

    If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.

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If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.

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