A 12 lead electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity of your heart — including its rate and rhythm. It is a simple, non-invasive test that helps identify a range of heart conditions such as:

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• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

• Conduction abnormalities (disruptions in the heart’s electrical signals)

• Coronary artery disease (reduced blood flow due to plaque buildup)

• Cardiomyopathy (thickening or enlargement of the heart muscle)

• Ischaemia (reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle)

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A 12 lead ECG may be performed on its own or as part of other cardiac assessments, such as an echocardiogram or exercise stress test. It is also commonly required before surgery, to assess heart function prior to anaesthesia.

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What to Expect During the Test

You’ll be asked to remove your shirt and lie comfortably on your back. A cardiac technician will place adhesive electrodes on your arms, legs, and chest, which are connected to the ECG machine.

In just a few minutes, the machine records your heart’s electrical activity and produces a tracing (a graph of your heart’s rhythm).

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The test is painless, safe, and risk-free. While your ECG may be performed during your cardiologist consultation, it is usually conducted by a trained cardiac technician. The recordings are later interpreted by one of our expert cardiologists, who will send a detailed report to your referring doctor.

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How to prepare for an ECG?

No special preparation is needed — you can eat and drink as usual before your ECG.

For comfort and ease of access, please wear a two-piece outfit (e.g. shirt with pants or skirt). You may be asked to:

• Lift or remove your top for electrode placement on the chest (women may be asked to unhook or loosen their bra).

• Adjust clothing or remove stockings to allow access to the legs.
  A medical gown or sheet can be provided if you prefer.

If you have body hair on your chest, arms, or legs, a small area may need to be shaved to ensure the electrodes adhere properly. It’s also best to avoid moisturising your skin for a few hours before your appointment.

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How long does an ECG take?

The ECG recording itself takes about 5 minutes, but please allow 15 minutes in total for check-in, setup, and payment.