ECG

An ECG is often used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the heart.

It can be used to investigate symptoms of a possible heart problem, such as chest pain, palpitations (suddenly noticeable heartbeats), dizziness and shortness of breath.

An ECG can help detect:

• arrhythmias – where the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly
• coronary heart disease – where the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances
• heart attacks – where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked
• cardiomyopathy – where the heart walls become thickened or enlarged

A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart co