What should you know about the Biocare ECG machine?

An electrocardiogram, or ECG, captures electrical signals as the heart contracts and relaxes. Adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest and often the limbs, then connected to the machine. The recording can help a clinician look for an irregular rhythm, changes in the heart’s electrical pattern or clues that further assessment is needed. An ECG is a recording at a particular moment; a normal result does not explain every cause of intermittent symptoms.

Wear clothing that allows access to the chest and lower arms or legs. Tell the clinician about chest pain, breathlessness, fainting, palpitations, medicines and implanted devices. Keep still and breathe normally while the tracing is recorded. Skin may need to be clean and dry so electrodes adhere well. The test is generally brief, and removing electrodes can cause minor skin irritation in some people.

An ECG appointment should not replace emergency assessment. Call emergency services for new or severe chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, blue lips, or pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw. Seek prompt advice for a sustained rapid heartbeat, especially with dizziness or weakness. Share the timing of symptoms because an episode may have ended before the recording.

Ask why the ECG was requested, whether you need a repeat or longer heart monitor, when the report will be explained and which symptoms should prompt immediate help.