An ECG is used to detect abnormal heart rhythms as well as sick or damaged heart muscle.  

A nurse or ECG technician normally performs this simple, painless investigation. It takes about five minutes, and you can eat and drink as normal beforehand.

The nurse or technician will place electrodes on your chest, wrists and ankles. These record the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG is a print-out or ‘picture of the heart beat', showing how the electrical pathway is working.

The doctor or nurse will discuss the results with you.

This information was first published in You and Your Heart - an education booklet for patients, families and friends. © 2006 Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service