With so many different cardiac tests available, some people are unsure if an electrocardiogram (ECG) is the best cardiac test for them, even if it has been recommended by their GP or a cardiologist.
An ECG is an effective cardiac diagnostic and monitoring test for a variety of cardiac abnormalities and heart conditions. ECGs are the most commonly ordered type of heart test and are utilised by heart doctors across the UK. However, they are not suitable for investigating every type of cardiac symptom. Your doctor or cardiologist will recommend an ECG depending on the types of symptoms you are experiencing and the heart abnormality or condition that the cardiologist suspects you may have.
Below is a symptom checker of the most common symptoms that are investigated by an ECG. Even if you experience only one or two symptoms from the list below, an ECG is still likely to be recommended. The most common symptoms investigated by an ECG are:
· A racing heart rate (tachycardia)
· A slow heart rate (bradycardia)
· Feeling a fluttering in your chest
· Feeling like your heart is pounding or a pounding in your neck or ears
· Chest pain (angina)
· A tight feeling in your chest
· Shortness of breath or other breathing difficulties
· Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
· Unexplained fainting or nearly fainting
· Unexplained or unusual sweating
· Unexplained or unusual fatigue or tiredness
· Swelling in your arms or legs
· Abnormal blood pressure (hypertension or hypotension)
· Feeling confused or disoriented
· A tingling feeling in your hands or feet (similar to pins and needles)
· Feeling weak or having a decline in your ability to exercise
· Pain throughout your body
· Unexplained nausea
If you have previously experienced any of the above symptoms, even if they do not occur regularly, an ECG allows a cardiologist, also known as a heart doctor, to conduct a detailed cardiac assessment and assess the electrical activity of your heart and your overall heart health.
This can help in the early identification of any heart abnormalities or early diagnosis of any heart conditions, which can result in amore effective treatment plan and more effective management of your condition.
The symptoms listed above may be indicative of a variety of heart conditions, such as:
· Atrial Fibrillation (AF):
The most common type of arrhythmia where your heart beats irregularly and faster than normal.
· Supraventricular Tachycardia:
A type of arrhythmia that involves episodes of abnormally fast heart rate when your heart is at rest.
· Bradycardia:
A type of arrhythmia characterised by a slower-than-normal heart rate.
· Heart block:
A slower-than-normal heartrate or an abnormal heart rhythm that can result in fainting or a medical emergency.
· Ventricular Fibrillation:
This is the most serious type of arrhythmia and occurs when the lower chambers of your heart contract in a rapid and uncoordinated manner, meaning your heart doesn’t pump blood to the rest of your body.
· Coronary Heart Disease: When your heart’s blood supply is interrupted or blocked by a build-up of fatty substances in your coronary arteries.
