An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a quick test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It’s painless, takes only a few minutes, and is used to check heart rhythm and spot signs of underlying heart conditions. We offer ECGs at our Harley Street clinic as part of a GP consultation or as a standalone test.
Why It’s Done
Your GP might recommend an ECG if you have symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, or fainting. It’s also commonly used:
- As part of a general health check or pre-employment medical
- To monitor a known heart condition
- Before certain procedures or medications that can affect the heart
- To investigate unexplained fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
An ECG gives useful information, but it’s one part of the picture. Your GP will look at your symptoms, history, and examination findings alongside the result.
What Happens on the Day
You’ll lie down on a couch. Small adhesive electrodes (stickers) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These are connected by leads to the ECG machine.
The recording itself takes less than a minute. You’ll need to stay still and breathe normally. There’s no pain — you might feel a slight pulling sensation when the electrodes are removed afterwards.
You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Wear clothing that makes it easy to access your chest, arms, and lower legs, or you’ll be asked to adjust clothing briefly during the test.
What the Results Mean
The ECG produces a printed trace showing your heart’s electrical pattern. Your GP will review this with you, usually on the same day.
A normal result shows a regular rhythm with no obvious abnormalities. An abnormal result might point to an irregular heartbeat, signs of strain on the heart, or other findings that need further investigation — such as blood tests, a 24-hour heart monitor, or referral to a cardiologist.
An ECG cannot rule out every heart problem. Some conditions only show up during symptoms, on exertion, or over a longer monitoring period.
Risks
An ECG carries no real risk. It doesn’t involve needles or radiation. Some people find the electrode stickers mildly uncomfortable to remove, particularly if sensitive skin.
If you’re currently experiencing chest pain, severe breathlessness, or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, don’t wait for an appointment — call 999 or go to A&E.
Cost
An ECG costs £95 as a standalone test, or is included in the fee for a GP consultation when done in the same visit.
How to Book
You can book an ECG as part of a GP consultation, or request one directly if you have specific symptoms you’d like checked. Appointments are available at our Harley Street clinic. You can book online or by phoning the clinic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an ECG take? The recording itself takes under a minute. With setup and removal of electrodes, the whole process is usually done within 10–15 minutes.
Do I need to fast before an ECG? No. You can eat and drink normally beforehand.
Can an ECG detect all heart problems? No. It captures what’s happening at the moment of the test. Intermittent issues, such as occasional palpitations, may need a longer monitoring period or additional tests to pick up.
Will I get my results straight away? Yes, in most cases. Your GP will review the trace with you during your appointment and explain what it shows.
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This page is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please speak to your GP about your own symptoms and circumstances.