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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps doctors detect heart rhythm problems, heart damage, or signs of heart disease.
You may need an ECG if you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, or if your doctor wants to check for irregular heart rhythms, monitor a known heart condition, or assess your heart before surgery.
You will lie down while a technician places small sticky electrodes on your chest, arms and legs. These are connected to a machine that records your heart’s electrical signals. The test usually takes about 5–10 minutes and is entirely painless.
No special preparation is needed. Just wear comfortable clothing - you may be asked to remove your top or wear a gown. Avoid applying lotions or oils to your skin before the test, as they can affect the electrode contact.
Yes, an ECG is very safe. It is non-invasive, uses no electricity or radiation and has no risks or side effects. It simply records your heart’s natural electrical signals.

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Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
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.
Attend Your Appointment
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.
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.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
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
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.
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.
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.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
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With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
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.