What should you know about an ECG and spirometry machine?

An ECG uses skin electrodes to display the heart's electrical signals, including rate and rhythm. Spirometry uses a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. You take a deep breath and blow out as hard and as long as instructed, allowing the device to measure airflow and the amount of air moved. The results can help assess breathing symptoms and may support evaluation of asthma, COPD or other lung conditions. The tests answer different questions, and neither result should be interpreted without your history and examination.

Wear comfortable clothing and avoid a heavy meal immediately before spirometry if your clinic gives that advice. Ask whether to use or pause an inhaler before testing; do not change prescribed treatment without instructions. Tell the clinician about recent chest infection, surgery, chest pain, dizziness or difficulty performing forceful breaths. For the ECG, electrodes need contact with the skin, so clothing may need adjustment. Follow the clinic's instructions and give your best safe effort during each breathing manoeuvre.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, chest pain or rapidly worsening breathing. Do not wait for an ECG or spirometry appointment when symptoms are severe. Contact the clinic if you develop significant dizziness, chest discomfort or prolonged breathlessness during or after testing. Persistent cough or wheeze also deserves assessment, particularly when it disrupts sleep or usual activity.

Ask what each test is checking, whether inhalers or smoking can affect the result, and whether repeat spirometry is needed. Ask how the findings affect your treatment plan, when results will be reviewed, and which breathing changes require urgent care.