RMS ECG machine: what to know

An ECG machine detects tiny electrical changes produced as the heart beats and displays them as waves. The tracing can help a clinician assess heart rate, rhythm and conduction, and look for patterns linked with some heart problems. It is a recording of electrical activity at that moment, so a normal result does not explain every episode of palpitations or dizziness. The device does not send electricity into the body. Read about the [ECG Machine](/technology/ecg-machine/) and [Electrocardiogram](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/ecg/) for more detail.

Wear clothing that allows access to the chest, wrists and ankles, and tell the clinician about skin sensitivity or implanted cardiac devices. You may be asked to rest quietly while adhesive electrodes are placed on clean skin. Stay still and breathe normally during the brief recording; movement, shivering or a loose electrode can affect the tracing. Ask when and how the result will be explained, especially if the test was arranged for intermittent symptoms. Bring a list of medicines and describe when symptoms occur.

An ECG appointment should not delay emergency care. Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden collapse or palpitations with marked weakness. Arrange medical advice for repeated palpitations, unexplained dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance, even if a previous tracing was reassuring.

Why do I need this ECG? Will it be a resting recording or longer monitoring? When will I receive the interpretation? What should I do if my symptoms happen after the test?