ECG
Electrocardiogram (ECG) An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they’re unusual. An ECG may be requested by a heart specialist
What it is
The resting 12-lead ECG identifies arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, ectopics, conduction block), evidence of previous myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, ischaemia, and inherited cardiac conditions (long QT, Brugada, WPW). It does not exclude coronary artery disease in a patient with normal coronary anatomy; further imaging is needed for that.
When this is relevant
- Palpitations, breathlessness or chest pain - any cardiac workup starts here.
- Pre-employment, pre-operative or sports medical assessment.
- Family history of sudden cardiac death (inherited rhythm screen).
- Established cardiac disease - baseline before / after medication change.
- Suspected electrolyte disturbance or drug toxicity (digoxin, tricyclics).
How we investigate
The ECG itself takes 60 seconds; the interpretation by a consultant cardiologist takes 5-10 minutes. Where the resting ECG is normal but symptoms are recurrent, we add a 24-hour Holter monitor, 7-day event recorder or implantable loop recorder.
Options at The Vesey
- Standalone ECG service - £45, walk-in, reported same day.
- ECG + cardiology consultation - £290 inclusive.
- Onward arrhythmia workup - 24-hour Holter, 7-day recorder, event monitor.
- Structural workup - echocardiogram where left ventricular hypertrophy or ischaemia is identified.
- Family screening for inherited rhythm conditions where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal ECG result mean?
A normal resting ECG means the heart's electrical system is working correctly at rest. It does not rule out coronary artery disease — a normal ECG can be found in patients who have significant coronary narrowings. If you have exertional symptoms, further testing (CT coronary angiogram or stress test) is needed.
Can an ECG detect a previous heart attack?
Yes. A previous myocardial infarction often leaves characteristic changes on the ECG (pathological Q waves, ST changes) even years later. These findings would prompt further imaging such as an echocardiogram to assess the extent of any scarring or impairment of heart function.
How long does an ECG take?
The ECG recording itself takes approximately 60 seconds. Ten electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs, and the trace is stored digitally. When combined with a consultant cardiology interpretation, the appointment takes around 15–20 minutes in total.
What is a Holter monitor?
A Holter monitor is a portable ECG device worn for 24–48 hours (or 7 days as an event recorder) that records the heart's electrical activity continuously. It is used when the resting ECG is normal but you have intermittent symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or blackouts that may be caused by an arrhythmia.
Private consultation at The Vesey
From £90 (Private GP) · Specialist from £260 · No GP referral required · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Book an appointment
When to book
Book if you need a quick ECG for a pre-employment / pre-op / sports medical, you have new cardiac symptoms, or your GP has identified an abnormality that needs a consultant interpretation.
Cost and pathway
Standalone ECG £45. ECG + consultant interpretation £290. 24-hour Holter monitor from £290.
- Open 7 days including Sundays — 8am to 8pm, no weekend surcharge
- No GP referral required — book directly with our cardiology team
- Sutton Coldfield location — serving Birmingham, Walsall, Tamworth, Lichfield and the West Midlands
- CQC-regulated — rated 4.87/5 on Doctify from 700+ verified reviews
View our cardiology services →
Sutton Coldfield · Birmingham · Walsall · Tamworth · Lichfield · West Midlands · Open 7 days 8am–8pm
Open 7 days · 8am–8pm · 0121 387 3727