An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors attached to your chest and sometimes your limbs are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. ECG is a safe and non-invasive test with no known risks.

A doctor may recommend an ECG for people who may be at risk of heart disease because there is a family history of heart disease, or because they smoke, are overweight, have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

A doctor may also recommend an ECG for people who are displaying symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, fainting, or fast or irregular heartbeats.