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Private Electrocardiogram (ECG)

  • No waiting times
  • Fast results
  • Convenient clinics
  • Price from £110

What is a private ECG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to record the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. The purpose of an ECG is to find out if the heart is healthy by detecting irregular heart rhythms and to help diagnose the cause of symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations. 

During an ECG, the heart’s electrical activity is measured through electrodes that are attached to the skin with adhesive pads. Signals recorded from your heart are displayed on a screen and can be traced out on a piece of paper. An ECG can identify problems with your heart including: 

  • A heart attack 

  • An enlarged heart that is working under strain 

  • Fast, slow or irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias 

An ECG can also help investigate the cause of chest pain, palpitations, or symptoms such as difficulty in breathing. It is also used to assess if a patient has had a heart attack or to look for evidence of a previous heart attack. A standard ECG is a very simple and quick procedure that is completely painless.

When should you have an ECG?

If you’re experiencing symptoms related to heart problems, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, or an irregular heartbeat, an ECG can help pinpoint the causes. In the first instance, it might be helpful to book an appointment with one of our private cardiologists, who will be able to understand your symptoms and recommend further diagnostics and treatment, which may include an ECG. 

You can also book an ECG without a consultation, so if you have a history of heart problems, or you have a recommendation from a GP or heart specialist, you can book an ECG online or over the phone without having to wait.

What happens during a private ECG test?

An ECG is a very simple and quick test, and usually only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. There’s little you have to do to prepare for the test, except ensuring that you’re wearing clothing that is loose or easy to remove, as we’ll need to place electrodes directly onto your skin.

We’ll ask you to lie flat on your back during the test, if you’re able, and you’ll have some electrodes placed on your chest and abdomen. These may feel a little cold and sticky but you shouldn’t feel any discomfort - the test is completely painless. Once we’ve connected the electrodes, the ECG machine (electrocardiograph) will measure your heart activity for the next few minutes.

Once you’ve got the necessary measurements, you’ll be able to leave as soon as you’re ready and we’ll follow up with the results.

We have experience of delivering 5 star services to over 10,000 patients every year.

This is why our patients rate us Excellent on Trustpilot.

ECG Appointment Prices

ECG
  • Finance available
ECG + follow-up consultation
  • Post ECG consultation with cardiologist

Meet our Consultant Cardiologist

Our highly-experienced Consultant Cardiologist is on hand to help you understand any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, how an ECG can help, and what the results mean for you.

Types of ECG tests

Depending on the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, any history of heart problems, or any related concerns you share with us, we’ll recommend either a standard (resting) ECG, which provides a brief assessment of heart activity, a stress ECG, which measures your heart activity while it’s under strain, or an ambulatory ECG, during which your heart activity is measured over a period of 24-72 hours.

Resting ECG test

If the symptoms you have been experiencing have been frequent or continuous, then a resting ECG will usually be able to provide enough insight to help diagnose the cause of the problem. This type of test takes around 5-10 minutes to complete and will be performed while you’re sitting or lying down.

Stress ECG

This type of ECG records your heart while you’re active. You’ll walk on a treadmill or pedal an exercise bike for 20-30 minutes, allowing us to measure your heart while it’s having to work harder. If you commonly experience symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath after exercise, this type of test can help us determine the cause.

24-hour ambulatory ECG

If your symptoms are intermittent and may not be apparent during the short window of a resting ECG, we can perform an ambulatory ECG to measure your heart activity over a longer period of time. The equipment used for this type of test is slightly different to a resting ECG, but the process is the same: you’ll have some electrodes placed on your chest for 24-72 hours, which will provide us with continuous readings of your heart activity over that time. This can deliver more accurate readings and identify problems other types of test may not.

We put you at the heart of everything we do

We put the patient at the heart of everything we do.

Pall Mall is a private medical provider owned and led by doctors – which means care without compromise. We’re driven by how best we can deliver what you need from start to finish.

  • Care Quality Commission Regulated.
  • No waiting lists.
  • Rated 4.95 by our patients.
  • No referrals required.
Why Choose Pall Mall?

As a proudly independent and Doctor-led private healthcare provider, we offer our patients quick and reliable service exactly when they need it. Throughout their journey with us, our goal is to help patients from up and down the country live longer, healthier, happier lives - a journey that starts with us.

That’s why our clinics have no waiting lists and we can usually book you in for a same-day appointment, with consultations and treatments designed to fit around you. We’re also open late nights and at weekends, so you can book an appointment at a time that suits you and your loved ones.

Pall Mall provides more than 70 medical services, with a variety of financing options. In this way, the cost can be spread out over several months or even several years if necessary - so worrying about cost doesn’t have to come at your health’s expense.

Our CQC registered clinics are located in Liverpool, Manchester city centre, and Newton-le-Willows in the North West, which is home to  our privately-owned hospital.

Here, you’ll find our industry-leading scanning suites, which can help you establish a problem, find out what’s causing issues and get you on the road to recovery.

To book your private CT Scan with us today, give our friendly team a call.

Frequently asked questions

Our expert team is always on hand to help, advise and arrange appointments with our specialist consultants.

How do I know which type of ECG to book?

If you’re not sure what type of test would be most suitable to address your symptoms and concerns, we’d suggest consulting with your GP or one of our private cardiologists directly. Based on the symptoms you’ve been experiencing, we’ll then be able to recommend the best course of action, whether that’s an ECG or another type of diagnostic test.

Do I need a referral for a private ECG?

No, you can book an ECG without a referral. If you want to speak to a doctor about any health concerns beforehand, you can book an appointment with one of our private GPs.

Are ECGs safe?

Yes, ECGs are very safe, non-invasive tests. Some people may find the electrodes slightly uncomfortable when placed against their skin, but there is no electrical shock or pain involved - the electrodes simply allow the ECG machine to record your heart’s activity.

What happens after I have a private ECG?

We’ll send you the results of your ECG after the test and will provide recommendations for any follow-up evaluation or treatment. You can also consult with our Consultant Cardiologist after the test to find out more about the results and get further advice about the most appropriate next steps.

How long does it take to get the results?

We aim to get the results of your resting ECG to you within 48 hours, although it may take longer for other types of tests, such as 24-hour ambulatory ECGs. In most cases we’ll be able to deliver the results of the test within a week.

Can I eat or drink before an ECG?

Before a resting ECG, you’ll be able to eat and drink as normal. Due to the nature of stress ECGs, and the exercise involved, we may ask you to refrain from eating immediately before the test.

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Our expert team are always here to help, advise and arrange appointments with our specialist consultants.