Electrocardiogram (ECG) in Riga – no waiting lists

The heart contracts because electrical impulses spread through the heart muscle in a set sequence. The ECG machine picks up these impulses through electrodes placed on the chest, arms and legs.

The device does not send any electricity into the body — it only records the electrical signals produced by the heart and shows them as waves.

On an electrocardiogram the doctor can assess:

• heart rate;
• how regular the heart rhythm is;
• how electrical impulses travel through the heart;
• possible arrhythmias;
• conduction disorders;
• some signs of changes in the heart muscle;
• changes that may be linked to certain medicines or electrolyte levels.

ECG results should always be interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history, a doctor’s examination and, if needed, other tests.

Heart rhythm disorders

An ECG can help detect:

• a heart rate that is too fast (tachycardia);
• a heart rate that is too slow (bradycardia);
• atrial fibrillation;
• extra heartbeats (ectopic beats);
• other heart rhythm disorders.

If a rhythm problem only happens from time to time, a short resting ECG may not show it. In that case the doctor may recommend longer heart rhythm monitoring, such as a Holter monitor.

Conduction disorders

An ECG can show whether electrical impulses travel through the heart as they should. Changes may point to different types of heart block or other conduction disorders.

Possible changes in the heart muscle

An electrocardiogram may show changes that, in a particular clinical situation, suggest strain on the heart muscle, reduced oxygen supply or previous heart muscle damage.

However, an ECG alone cannot confirm or rule out every heart condition. Assessing a possible heart attack may require repeat ECGs, troponin blood tests and other tests.

Effects of medicines or electrolytes

Some medicines and significant changes in electrolyte levels can affect heart rhythm and conduction. In these situations an ECG may be part of your regular health monitoring.

An electrocardiogram is recorded at rest.

During the test:

1. You uncover your chest, forearms and lower legs.
2. You lie down on a couch.
3. A healthcare professional places electrodes on your skin.
4. You lie still and relaxed for a few seconds.
5. The ECG machine records your heart’s electrical activity.
6. The recording is saved or printed for assessment.

If needed, a small area of hair may be removed before the electrodes are attached. This helps the electrodes stick to the skin and improves the quality of the recording.

The whole visit usually takes about 5–10 minutes, although the recording itself is shorter.

An electrocardiogram usually needs no special preparation. You can eat and drink before the test.

To get a good-quality resting ECG:

• avoid intense exercise shortly before the test;
• arrive a little early so you can sit and rest before the procedure;
• wear clothing that makes it easy to uncover your chest, arms and legs;
• do not apply oily body lotion or oil to your chest;
• tell us about all the medicines you take;
• bring previous ECGs if you have them.

Do not stop taking your regular medicines before an ECG on your own. If your doctor wants the ECG done before a particular dose or at a set time after it, follow their instructions.

Yes, children can also have an electrocardiogram if a paediatrician or another doctor has recommended it.

A child may need an ECG if they have:

• palpitations;
• chest pain;
• fainting;
• dizziness;
• shortness of breath;
• a suspected rhythm disorder;
• a congenital heart condition;
• a health check before certain treatment or a procedure.

The test is painless. The most important thing is that the child can lie still for a short while. Parents can explain beforehand that small stickers will be put on the body and the machine will just “listen” to the heart.

An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity. It mainly gives information about heart rate, rhythm and conduction.

Echocardiography, or a heart ultrasound, uses sound waves to show the structure and movement of the heart. It helps assess the heart chambers, valves and how well the heart muscle contracts.

These tests do not replace each other. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may need one or both.

An ECG may be part of the tests before surgery, but it is not automatically needed before every operation.

Whether you need one depends on:

• your age;
• heart and blood vessel conditions;
• current symptoms;
• the type of operation planned;
• the type of anaesthesia;
• the requirements of the hospital performing the surgery.

If your surgeon, family doctor or anaesthesiologist has given you a referral for an ECG, bring it with you.

Do I need a doctor’s referral for an ECG?

You can have a paid ECG without a referral. If the test is needed because of specific symptoms or treatment, it is best to discuss the results with a doctor.

Do I need to book an ECG in advance?

To avoid waiting, it is best to book in advance online or by calling 28002363.

How long does an ECG take?

The whole procedure usually takes about 5–10 minutes. The recording itself only takes a short moment.

Can I have an ECG during pregnancy?

Yes. A resting ECG uses no ionising radiation and only records the heart’s electrical signals.

Can I eat before an ECG?

Yes, you can eat and drink before a standard resting ECG. Special fasting rules may apply to other heart tests, but not to a standard ECG.

Can an ECG show a heart attack?

An ECG can show changes consistent with an acute or previous heart attack (myocardial infarction). However, a single normal ECG cannot always rule out an acute heart attack. If you have severe chest pain or other acute symptoms, you need emergency medical help.

Does a normal ECG mean my heart is completely healthy?

No. A normal ECG means that no specific abnormalities in electrical activity were found during the short recording. Some heart conditions need other or longer tests.

When will I get my ECG result?

The ECG recording is available straight after the procedure. If you need the ECG interpreted, it can be assessed by our family doctor or anaesthesiologist — just mention this when you book.