Private electrocardiogram (ECG)

Electrical signals control your heartbeat by contracting your cardiac muscles to keep blood flowing around your body. During an ECG test, we place small sticky patches with electrodes on various parts of your body to record your heart's electrical activity.

The machine then translates the electrical activity into a wave pattern, which appears on a monitor or printout. Our expert cardiac teams read this information to assess your heart rate, its rhythm, and the strength and timing of each signal.

Electrocardiogram tests can diagnose and monitor common heart conditions. Your cardiac consultant may request an ECG if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

• Cardiac arrhythmia: This is a term that covers a range of conditions caused by an irregular heartbeat. Over one million people in the UK live with diagnosed heart rhythm disorders.
• Coronary artery disease: Caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the heart. This is one of the leading causes of heart attacks.
• Heart attack: A serious medical emergency where your heart doesn't get enough blood to function properly. The longer the event goes on, the more damage is done to the heart muscle. An ECG can also help to determine if you've had a heart attack in the past.
• Heart failure: This is a long-term condition that develops when your heart can't maintain a healthy blood flow around the body. It's often caused by heart damage linked to one of the above and can get worse over time.

An abnormal ECG scan may point to one of the conditions above, but it's not always linked to an underlying heart condition. If you've already been diagnosed with a heart condition, you may be required to have ECG tests to: 

• Monitor health and functioning after a heart attack or diagnosis of heart failure.
• Determine how effective heart treatments (such as a pacemaker or catheter ablation) and medicines have been (by comparing new ECG scans to previous ones).

Outside of cardiac diagnosis and care, electrocardiogram machines are used across many healthcare settings where continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm is required.

• Wear a top that's easy to take on and off
• Avoid applying body lotions and other products to your skin before the test
• Avoid eating a large meal or having caffeine before an ECG
• Tell your consultant about any medications or supplements you take
• Remove any jewellery and other accessories that may interfere

This is the simplest form of ECG test that monitors your heart at baseline activity levels. It can detect abnormalities in your heart's function, including arrhythmias and coronary artery disease. 

You'll be asked to lie down and remain still during the scan, so the electrical signals from your heartbeats can be recorded. A resting ECG should last no longer than five minutes.

Your heart works harder during exercise because more blood is needed around the body, so an exercise ECG test can assess how tolerant your heart is to stress or activity. 

You may need this type of ECG if you're experiencing worrying symptoms during exercise or to assess the root cause of other issues involving your heart valves or chambers. If you're starting an intensive exercise programme, you may also need one as a precaution.

You'll walk on a treadmill or cycle on an exercise bike for the duration of the test, which can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Starting slow, the difficulty will gradually increase, as will your heart rate, until you reach the desired level or you start experiencing symptoms, when the test will be stopped.

Alternatively, you may be given medicine to raise your heart rate instead of increasing your activity levels.

For infrequent symptoms, your cardiology consultant may suggest you have a cardiac event monitor fitted. These devices can be used for longer periods, sometimes up to three years. They are designed to activate when you feel symptoms, rather than continuously monitoring electrical activity. 

One of the most common types of cardiac event monitors is an implantable loop recorder (ILR). We insert the device just under the skin on your chest during a minor surgical procedure. It won't interfere with your daily life. Once in place, it helps your cardiologist understand the cause of irregular symptoms like dizzy spells, blackouts or palpitations.

Both an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram are common tests that cardiologists use to assess the health of your heart. Depending on your condition, we may recommend you undergo one or both of them.

While an ECG records the electrical activity of your heart, an echocardiogram (also known as an echo test) produces an ultrasound image so a cardiac specialist can assess the condition of your heart muscle and valves.

We offer several different payment options for a private electrocardiogram test if you'd prefer HCA UK to provide your care. If you have private medical insurance, the cost may be covered under your policy. It's always worth speaking to your insurer about your cover and any conditions that apply.

You can also opt to self-fund your care using a preferred payment method if you don't have private medical insurance. We'll give you a clear and transparent quote including the price of your private ECG and any additional services needed for the test. We make sure you're not subject to any hidden costs and fees.