When is electrocardiogram recommended for heart failure?

Heart failure can affect how the heart's chambers work and may occur alongside rhythm or electrical problems. An ECG records those electrical signals through stickers on the skin, helping clinicians decide which further assessments may be useful. Read more about [Heart Failure](/conditions/heart-failure/).

An ECG does not measure the heart's pumping strength by itself. A clinician may combine it with an examination, blood tests, chest imaging, or an ultrasound scan of the heart.

Describe changes in breathlessness, swelling around the ankles, tiredness, exercise tolerance, nighttime symptoms, or sudden weight change. Bring your medicine list and mention missed doses, recent illness, chest pain, palpitations, or fainting.

The [Electrocardiogram](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/ecg/) test is usually performed while you are resting. It is painless and does not involve passing electricity through the body.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, chest pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Sit upright while waiting if that makes breathing easier, and follow the emergency operator's instructions.

Ask what the ECG shows, whether an ultrasound or rhythm monitor is needed, and which symptom changes should prompt urgent review. Clarify how to take prescribed medicines and what to do if breathlessness or swelling increases.