Routine and emergency ECGs are performed by nurses and HCA’s.

Key points

1. An ECG is the most common test for assessing heart conditions.
2. It is a painless test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and only takes a few minutes to do (about 5 to 10 minutes).
3. GPs are often able to do the ECG in their surgery but sometimes you will need to be referred to a hospital.
4. By looking at the pattern of spikes and dips on your ECG, your doctor will be able to gauge how your heart is working.

What is an electrocardiograph (ECG)?

An electrocardiograph (ECG) is a test that is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart.

• This electrical activity causes contractions of the heart muscle, which results in the heart’s pumping action.
• The ECG is recorded on paper, as spikes and dips called waves. By assessing the pattern of these waves, your doctor can gauge the rhythm and the rate of your heart beat.