Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

At Cardiac Network Australia in Auburn, we also perform Electrocardiograms (ECGs), one of the simplest and most common heart tests.

An ECG records the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. By looking at these signals, doctors can see how your heart rhythm is working.

This test can help to:

• Detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Identify signs of a previous or current heart attack.
• Check for heart chamber enlargement or strain.
• Monitor the effects of certain medications on your heart.

What to expect:

• The test is quick, painless, and takes about 5–10 minutes.
• Small sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
• Wires from the electrodes connect to the ECG machine, which records your heart’s activity as a series of lines (a tracing) on paper or a screen.
• You will need to lie still and breathe normally while the test is recorded.

An ECG is completely safe, involves no radiation, and gives your doctor valuable information about your heart health.