So What is an ECG Test and Why is it Important in Heart Health?
If your GP or cardiologist has recommended an ECG test, you might be wondering what it involves, why it’s done, and what it can reveal about your heart... ECGs are one of the most common and useful diagnostic tools in cardiology — quick, painless, and highly informative when used appropriately.
I’ll explain what an ECG test is, how it works, what it shows, and when you might need one.
What Does an ECG Test Do?
An ECG (short for electrocardiogram) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart. Each heartbeat is triggered by an electrical signal that travels through the heart muscle, causing it to contract and pump blood.
The ECG test detects these electrical signals and displays them as a trace on a screen or paper. By analysing the shape, size, and timing of these waves, a cardiologist can assess how well your heart is functioning.
What Can an ECG Test Detect?
An ECG test can help diagnose or monitor a range of heart conditions, including:
Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms)
Atrial fibrillation
Tachycardia or bradycardia (heart beating too fast or too slow)
Signs of a previous heart attack
Coronary artery disease (reduced blood flow to the heart)
Heart enlargement
Side effects of certain medications
While an ECG cannot show structural issues (like valve disease or pumping strength), it can give vital information about your heart rhythm and electrical activity.
When Is an ECG Test Recommended?
You may be referred for an ECG test if you are experiencing symptoms such as:
In other cases, it may be used as a routine check before surgery, as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment, or to monitor the effects of heart medication.
How Is an ECG Test Performed?
An ECG test is quick, safe and non-invasive. At Heartsure, we perform standard 12-lead ECGs in our Surrey clinic.
Here’s what to expect:
You’ll be asked to remove your top and lie down on an examination couch.
A technician will place 10 small electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. These are connected by wires to the ECG machine.
The machine will record your heart’s electrical signals over a few seconds while you lie still and breathe normally.
The result is a printed or digital trace which your cardiologist will interpret.
The entire process takes around 5–10 minutes, and you can return to normal activities straight afterwards.
Are There Different Types of ECG Tests?
Yes — depending on your symptoms, your doctor might recommend one of several variations of the ECG:
1. Resting ECG
This is the standard ECG test described above — done while you're lying down at rest.
2. 24-Hour or 7-Day ECG (Holter Monitor)
If your symptoms are intermittent, you may be asked to wear a small portable ECG device at home for 24 hours or longer. This captures your heart rhythm during daily activities and sleep.
3. Exercise ECG (Stress Test)
Used to assess how your heart responds to physical exertion. You’ll walk on a treadmill while your heart is monitored.
These additional tests can provide more detailed insights, especially when symptoms don’t occur at rest.
Is an ECG Test Safe?
Absolutely. An ECG test is entirely safe. There are no injections, no radiation, and no recovery time needed. The electrodes only record activity — they don’t send electricity into your body.
You might feel slight discomfort when the stickers are removed, especially if you have chest hair, but otherwise the test is completely painless.
How Do I Prepare for an ECG?
There’s very little preparation needed for an ECG test, but a few simple steps can help ensure accurate results:
Wear a top that’s easy to remove
Avoid using creams or lotions on your chest beforehand
Inform your doctor about any medications you're taking
Try to stay relaxed, as anxiety can affect your heart rate
At Heartsure, we’ll guide you through the process and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the test.
What Happens After the Test?
Your ECG results are usually available the same day. In many cases, they are reviewed immediately during your appointment.
If your ECG shows no abnormalities, that’s reassuring — though further tests may still be needed depending on your symptoms. If the ECG shows any irregularities, your cardiologist will discuss the findings with you and explain whether additional investigations or treatments are required.
Where Can You Get an ECG Test in the UK?
You can have an ECG test through the NHS or privately:
NHS: Your GP may refer you for an ECG if you report certain symptoms. The test is free, but there may be a wait depending on your area.
Private Clinics: At Heartsure in Surrey, we offer same-week appointments for ECGs, along with full heart health assessments including echocardiograms, blood tests, and blood pressure monitoring.
To book your ECG test or speak with a member of our team, contact us here. You can also check out our Instagram account here, where we have some videos of tests like these and answer some other common questions!
Final Thoughts
An ECG test is one of the quickest and most effective ways to assess your heart’s rhythm and electrical function. Whether you're experiencing symptoms or just want reassurance, it provides fast, reliable insights with minimal discomfort.
At Heartsure, our consultant-led team uses ECG testing as part of a broader approach to heart health — ensuring that you receive the right diagnosis, treatment, and support at every stage.
If you're concerned about your heart or have been advised to have an ECG, don’t wait. Early testing can make all the difference.
