PATIENT INFORMATION
Why have I been asked for an ECG?
An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. Before surgery it may be useful when your age, symptoms, heart history, other medical conditions or the type of operation make the information relevant to perioperative planning.
An ECG is not a general test that every patient automatically needs. If it shows something unexpected, the anaesthesiologist will interpret it in the context of your symptoms, previous ECGs and the planned procedure. An abnormal ECG does not by itself mean your surgery will be cancelled.
An abnormal result needs interpretation in your clinical context. Do not decide whether surgery is safe, or change treatment, solely from information on this website.