ECG- Magnus Hospital

An ECG (which stands for electrocardiogram) is a test that measures the electrical pulses that trigger your heartbeat. These pulses are recorded by electrodes that stick  to your chest. They send signals to a machine called an electrocardiograph, which displays the results as a continuous wavy line with a series of spikes. Your doctor is then able to analyse the pattern and identify any problems.

During an ECG test:

• You’ll lie on a bed in hospital or your doctor’s surgery
• Electrodes will be attached to your arms and chest
• You’ll be asked to lie still and breathe normally
• The electrodes will record your heart’s electrical activity
• The electrocardiograph will display the activity on a monitor and on paper
• Your doctor will examine the activity to determine whether it’s normal or irregular