An electrocardiogram (ECG) is the quickest and most widely used test of your heart's electrical activity. At The Cardiology Doctors we offer rapid-access private ECGs in central London, personally interpreted by Consultant Cardiologist Dr Nabila Laskar.
A 12-lead ECG records the heart's electrical impulses from twelve angles. In minutes it can detect atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, evidence of a previous heart attack (ST-segment changes, Q waves), left ventricular hypertrophy from long-standing hypertension, conduction problems such as bundle branch block or heart block, and inherited electrical disorders including long QT, Brugada and Wolff–Parkinson–White.
Private patients value the speed and convenience: a 12-lead ECG performed and reported by a Consultant Cardiologist in a single appointment, often the same day. Reasons include new chest pain, palpitations, dizziness or blackouts, family history of heart disease, before starting demanding physical training, or as part of insurance or pre-employment medicals.
You lie on a couch and ten small electrodes are placed on your chest, arms and legs. The recording takes around 10 seconds and is completely painless. Dr Laskar then discusses the trace with you and explains whether further tests — such as an echocardiogram or Holter monitor — are recommended. You can eat, drink and take your medication as normal before the test.
A resting ECG only captures a 10-second snapshot. If symptoms are intermittent — for example palpitations that come and go — a normal ECG does not exclude an underlying rhythm problem. In these cases Dr Laskar may recommend an ambulatory Holter monitor (24-hour, 48-hour or 7-day) or an event recorder. If structural concerns are raised, an echocardiogram is usually the next step.
The recording itself takes around 10 seconds; allow 20–30 minutes for the full appointment including consultation and interpretation.
No fasting or medication changes are required. Avoid moisturiser on your chest on the day of the test.
An ECG can show signs of an acute or past heart attack, but a normal ECG does not exclude coronary artery disease — further testing may be advised.
Yes. Our standard consultation package includes a 12-lead ECG with consultant interpretation.
Please see our Prices page for the most up-to-date ECG fees and package options.