Paediatric ECG
Ten small sticky patches called electrodes are put on your arms, legs and chest. These are connected by wires to an ECG machine which picks up the electrical signals that make your heart beat. This electrical activity is recorded and printed onto paper. Below is what a normal ECG would like. How long will an ECG take? The whole test takes a few minutes and is completely painless. You will
What it is
Paediatric ECG criteria are age-dependent - heart rate, axis and T-wave morphology change with age. Interpretation by a paediatric-trained cardiologist is essential. The test itself takes 60 seconds with a calm child; the visit takes 30 minutes.
When this is relevant
- Murmur identified on routine examination needing characterisation.
- Chest pain - the great majority is non-cardiac but ECG provides reassurance.
- Syncope or pre-syncope, particularly on exertion.
- Family history of sudden cardiac death or inherited rhythm condition.
- Pre-sports medical or pre-anaesthetic baseline.
How we investigate
Resting ECG with age-appropriate interpretation. Where indicated: paediatric echocardiogram, 24-hour Holter, exercise tolerance test (via partner paediatric cardiology).
Options at The Vesey
- Reassurance with documented normal ECG in low-risk presentations.
- Direct paediatric cardiology referral for any genuinely abnormal finding.
- Inherited rhythm family screen coordinated where indicated.
- Sports clearance letter for athletes following a normal cardiac workup.
- Echocardiogram booking for murmur characterisation.
Is a paediatric ECG the same as an adult ECG? +
The recording technique is the same, but interpretation is completely different. Normal ECG values in children are age-dependent — heart rate, axis and T-wave morphology all change from newborn to adolescence. A paediatric cardiologist must interpret the tracing.
Will my child be distressed by the ECG? +
ECG is completely painless. The sticky electrode patches are placed on the skin and the recording takes about 60 seconds. Young children can be held by a parent throughout. We are experienced in keeping children calm and relaxed.
What can a paediatric ECG detect? +
A paediatric ECG can detect rhythm disorders such as long QT syndrome and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, signs of cardiomyopathy, evidence of inflammation (pericarditis, myocarditis), and assess conduction in children with murmurs or fainting episodes.
What happens if my child's ECG is abnormal? +
We will discuss the result with you at the visit or by phone the same day. Depending on the finding, next steps may include an echocardiogram, a 24-hour Holter monitor, or direct referral to a paediatric cardiology centre for further assessment.
Pricing at a glance
Paediatric ECG with paediatric cardiology interpretation £120. Combined with paediatric echocardiogram £550. Insurance accepted: BUPA, Vitality, AXA, WPA, Cigna, Aviva, Healix.
Book an appointment
When to book
Book if a paediatrician or GP has recommended an ECG, a murmur has been identified, or you want a structured pre-sports cardiac screen for a child.
Cost and pathway
Paediatric ECG with paediatric cardiology interpretation £120. Combined with paediatric echocardiogram £550.
- 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 4.88/5 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