ECG

Western Hospital provides ECG services in Sri Lanka. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart�s rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they�re unusual. ECG services in Sri Lanka are available in most centers.

An ECG can help detect:

• arrhythmias – where the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly
• coronary heart disease – where the heart�s blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances
• heart attacks – where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked
• cardiomyopathy – where the heart walls become thickened or enlarged
• A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication known to potentially affect the heart.

No preparation is required. You can eat & drink normally before you come for the ECG.

An ECG generally takes 10 minutes. Here’s what happens:

• Initially a nurse may ask you remove your upper clothing, and your chest may need to be shaved or cleaned.
• Generally, the test involves attaching a number of small, sticky sensors called electrodes to your arms, legs and chest. These are connected by wires to an ECG recording machine.
• The test itself usually only lasts a few minutes, and you maybe told to consult a doctor.