When is electrocardiogram recommended for angina?

An ECG records electrical signals through stickers placed on the chest and limbs. It can show the heart rate and rhythm and may reveal changes that support an assessment of angina or another heart problem. Read more about [Angina](/conditions/angina/).

A normal tracing does not explain every episode of chest discomfort. Symptoms can occur when the tracing is normal between episodes, so a clinician may combine the result with your history, examination, and other tests.

Tell the clinician when discomfort starts, what it feels like, how long it lasts, and whether activity, rest, or prescribed medicine changes it. An ECG may be done at rest or while symptoms are present. Details such as breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw are useful.

Learn about the [Electrocardiogram](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/ecg/) procedure before your appointment. The test is external and does not send electricity into your body.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, worsening, or does not settle with rest, especially with breathlessness, sweating, fainting, or nausea. Do not drive yourself while such symptoms are continuing.

Ask whether the ECG should be repeated during symptoms, what other causes of chest pain are being considered, and which warning signs require urgent help. Bring a list of medicines and explain any previous heart tests.