ECG With Report

A 12-Lead ECG (electrocardiogram) is a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart at rest.

At WA Cardiology, a 12-lead ECG is commonly performed as a baseline heart test or to assess new or ongoing cardiac symptoms.

Your doctor may request a 12-lead ECG to:

• Investigate chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath
• Assess abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Look for signs of a previous or current heart attack
• Monitor known heart conditions
• Assess the effect of medications on heart rhythm
• Provide a baseline ECG for comparison with future tests
• Assist with pre-operative or occupational medical assessments

A 12-lead ECG provides information about:

• Heart rate and rhythm
• Electrical conduction through the heart
• Signs of heart muscle strain or damage
• Evidence of previous heart attacks
• Certain structural or inherited heart conditions

It gives a snapshot of your heart’s electrical activity at the time of the test.

Yes. A 12-lead ECG is very safe.

It only records electrical activity – it does not deliver electricity.

There is no radiation and it can be safely performed in all patients, including during pregnancy.

No special preparation is required:

• You may eat, drink and take medications as normal
• Wear comfortable clothing. You will need to remove clothing from the waist up. Females can leave their bra on
• Avoid applying lotions or oils to your chest on the day of the test, if possible

• Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs
• The electrodes are connected to an ECG machine
• You will be asked to lie still and breathe normally
• The recording takes only a few seconds

The entire appointment usually takes 5–10 minutes.

No. A 12-lead ECG is not painful.

You may feel the electrodes on your skin, but there is no discomfort from the test itself.

Yes.

You can resume normal activities immediately, including work and driving.

The ECG is performed by a trained technician.

The recording is then reviewed and interpreted by a Cardiologist.

The ECG is reviewed by a Cardiologist.

A report is sent to your referring Doctor, who will discuss the results with you.

Please allow up to 2 business days for your results to be with your referring Doctor.

If urgent or concerning findings are identified, they are communicated promptly.

In most cases, Medicare provides a rebate when:

• You have a valid referral from a GP or specialist
• The test meets Medicare eligibility criteria
• ECGs requested for pre-operative purposes or work medicals are not claimable from Medicare

Any out-of-pocket costs will be explained before your appointment.

A normal ECG does not rule out all heart conditions.

If symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend further testing such as Holter monitoring, Exercise ECG or Echocardiogram.

If you need to change your appointment, please contact WA Cardiology as early as possible so the appointment can be offered to another patient.

If you have questions before or after your 12-lead ECG, please contact WA Cardiology – our clinical and administrative team are happy to help.