PATIENT INFORMATION
Why have I been asked for an ECG?
An ECG (electrocardiogram) records the electrical activity of the heart.
What the test involves
Small sticky pads are placed on your chest, arms and legs and connected to a machine. You lie still for a few minutes. It is painless and does not use radiation.
Why it may be requested
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. It can show heart rhythm problems, signs of a previous heart attack and other changes. It also gives a baseline to compare with if a problem occurs later.
An ECG is not a general test that every patient automatically needs.
If the ECG is abnormal
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. Many ECG changes are minor or long-standing.
Bring copies of any previous ECGs if you have them. Comparing them can help show whether a finding is new.
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.