Which specialist performs an electrocardiogram?

An ECG records the heart's electrical activity through sticky sensors placed on the chest and limbs. The recording itself is brief and does not send electricity into your body. A general practitioner may arrange it for symptoms such as palpitations or chest discomfort, while cardiology may perform or review it when a heart rhythm or structural problem needs specialist assessment.

Wear clothing that allows access to the chest and lower limbs. Tell the team about medicines, implanted cardiac devices, skin irritation, and symptoms that occurred before the appointment. Try to remain still and breathe normally during the recording; movement can affect the tracing. Ask when and how the result will be explained.

An ECG appointment should not delay emergency care. Seek urgent help for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, sudden weakness, or a fast or irregular heartbeat with feeling unwell. The test may be normal between episodes, so describe when symptoms start and stop.

Ask why the ECG is being requested, whether you need monitoring beyond a short recording, and who will review the tracing. If symptoms continue, ask what the next assessment will be.