Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)

A resting electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive test that measures your heart’s electrical activity, while you lie completely still.

Our nurse will place small sticky patches on your chest, attach these to a small device (12-lead ECG monitor), and the machine will record the electrical activity of your heart.

The ECG test should take no more than 10 minutes.

You may be referred for a resting ECG if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations or a fluttering/racing heartbeat
• Dizziness, light headedness, or fainting spells
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness

An ECG can be used to detect:

• Arrhythmias: Irregular, too fast, or too slow heartbeat
• Myocardial Infraction (heart attacks): Previous or current damage to the heart muscle
• Coronary Heart Disease: Reduced blood flow due to blocked or narrow artery’s
• Cardiomegaly: Thickened or enlarged heart walls

The cardiologist will review report and will send a full report to your referring doctor.