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Patient information leaflet: The 12 Lead ECG 12 Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) What is an electrocardiogram? The electrocardiogram is a cardiac investigation that takes approximately 10 minutes to acquire. The patient must be reclined and relaxed so that the amplified electrical signal picks up only the tiny changes in voltage released by the heart during several heart beats. Electrodes are connected to each arm and leg, and six chest positions- by taking different combinations of these ten positions a total of 12 different patterns are acquired- hence its official name. Each electrical signal measures only several thousands of a volt, so its vital the patient is reclined and relaxed and silent during the recording because even the voice box and hand muscles can generate interference. An ECG does not involve x-rays or ionising radiation and is painless, however if there is a lot of chest hair, the nurse may need to shave small areas to enable good electrical connection. An ECG is a useful way of examining the heart because it gives an overall overview of its health- it is also the test that most Cardiologists would want to see when assessing a new patient. What are the common uses of the procedure? An ECG can be used in the evaluation of a variety of complaints, cardiac conditions and is frequently offered as part of health screening. • • • • • It helps a physician determine the hearts rhythm- and presence of disorders such as atrial fibrillation and flutter It may help in the evaluation of chest pain and breathlessness It may help to identify unsuspected heart problems such as cardiomyopathy and coronary heart disease It may the only sign of serious and potentially life threatening disorders such as congenital long or short QT syndrome, pre excitation, heart block and Brugada syndrome. It helps in identifying past problems such as heart attacks and angina- which are not always apparent to a patient. HeartScreen Plus- copyright SCVC Ltd: August 2012 Patient information leaflet: The 12 Lead ECG How should I prepare for the examination? The 12 lead ECG can be taken after Tea, coffee and alcohol as well as all medication- so no preparation is needed- other than to wear suitable clothing - since you will be asked to strip to the waist to allow the electrodes to be attached across the chest. Avoid applying skin creams and oils to your skin on the day of the test since these will reduce electrical conductivity and may hamper the signal. What will I experience during the examination The specialist Nurse will invite you into the ECG room, where you will need to strip to the waist, and recline so that 10 sticky electrodes can be connected to your arms, legs and across the chest. Your details will then be entered onto the computer and a recording taken. The tracing is then analysed by the computer - and sent to an experienced Cardiologist who will also be informed about whether you have any symptoms or are taking any medication. How will I get the results Although the 12 lead ECG and computerised report will be available minutes after the test, its main value is how this is interpreted by the Cardiologist in clinical context. For example small changes in the appearance of the T wave in V lead 1 and 2 may be terrifically important if there is a family history of collapse or sudden death, or breathlessness, so the true power of the investigation can only be realized when interpreted by an experienced Cardiologist who has been made aware of your history, any medical conditions, medication and whether you have any symptoms. Once these data are collected and presented to our Cardiologist, a report will be issued and usually sent with the 12 lead ECG to your GP within a week. If you have requested it, a copy can also be sent to you electronically, so that you or your physician can view it any time in the future. The 12 lead ECG taken while in good health is an important baseline test, because in the event of requiring hospital admission in the future, most medical teams will order another, and additional information obtained when this is compared with prior recordings- thus this examination, quite literately, could save your life. Heartscreen Bronze consists of a Nurse questionnaire, a 12 lead electrocardiogram and Cardiologist report- all of which will be sent to the patient- since this examination can be requested without a GP referral HeartScreen Plus- copyright SCVC Ltd: August 2012