How long does electrocardiogram take to work for angina?

An ECG uses stickers on the skin to record the heart rhythm and electrical signals. A clinician interprets the tracing alongside your symptoms, examination and other tests. Angina is chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, often during exertion or stress. A normal resting tracing does not by itself rule out angina, because symptoms and electrical changes may not occur while you are still. Some people need further assessment chosen by the care team.

Tell the clinician exactly when chest discomfort begins, what it feels like, how long it lasts and what relieves it. Follow instructions about medicines before testing, and do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Keep the report for follow-up, but do not use the tracing to decide that new or changing chest pain is harmless. Ask what the next step will be if symptoms continue despite a reassuring ECG.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, worsening, or lasting longer than usual, especially with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Stop exertion and follow your prescribed angina plan while waiting for help. Do not drive yourself during a possible heart emergency.

Ask whether you need a resting or exercise ECG, how the tracing will be interpreted with your symptoms, when results will be discussed, and what action to take during another episode of chest discomfort.