The way we use patient data is changing: We aim to provide the highest quality care. To do this, we routinely collect information about you and the care you receive from us. Like other hospitals across England, we are changing how we share and use this data… Find out more

The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust Logo

Cardiology

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

You have been given this leaflet as your GP or hospital consultant has suggested you would benefit from having an electrocardiogram (ECG). This leaflet gives more information on what this involves.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Cardiology Department.

What is an ECG?

An ECG is the most common heart test performed.
It is a recording of the electrical signals your heart generates as it beats. These signals should travel through the heart along special pathways, instructing the heart muscles how to beat correctly. The presence of these signals can be detected on the surface of your skin by an ECG machine. The machine does this through small sticky electrodes attached to wires that are put onto the skin on your chest. An ECG is a quick, safe and painless test.

The ECG machine records these signals over a period of time and plots them onto a graph. The shape of the recording can help the doctor see if your heart has a problem or is beating normally.

What are the benefits?

ECGs are performed for many reasons. Your doctor may already have told you why they are recommending that you have an ECG. The five most common benefits of recording an electrocardiogram are as follows:

What are the risks?

The test is very safe and does not have side effects.

Are there any alternatives to this test?

This may be one of a number of tests suggested to diagnose your condition. It is your choice as to whether you have the test.

How do I prepare for the test?

There are no special preparations needed for the test. You can eat and drink as normal before it.

What happens during the test?

The Cardiographer will ask you to undress to your waist and then lie on the bed. They will put sticky ECG electrodes on your chest. Females will need to remove their bra if they wear one (females will be given a gown to wear while having the test) and males may need a little hair removed to allow the stickers to stick. Once the electrodes are connected to the ECG machine you will be covered up. The ECG machine will record your heart beat for a specified time then print it out.

Important: it is normal to have this procedure carried out on your own. However, if you need someone to help you dress, understand the instructions given or simply because you feel nervous, tell the receptionist when you arrive for the test. 

How long does it take?

Once you have been connected to the ECG machine the actual test will usually only take a few minutes.

What happens after the test?

You can go home and continue with your normal activities.

How do I get the results?

We will send your report back to your GP or hospital consultant who asked for the test. They will be in touch with you to discuss the results.

Can I find out more?

You can find out more from the following weblink:

NHS Choices

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/electrocardiogram/Pages/Introduction.aspx

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet. If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Cardiology Department. Date reviewed: August 2025. Next review due: September 2028. Version: 4. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/00407.