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12 LEAD ECG TEST PROCEDURE

During your 12 Lead ECG Test, you will be placed in a comfortable position, typically lying down, to ensure the most accurate results. Our trained technicians carefully place electrodes on specific sites on your arms, legs, and chest following the standardised ECG lead placement protocol. This setup is crucial for capturing comprehensive data on your heart’s electrical activity. The procedure is quick, generally takes about 10 minutes to complete, but the information it provides is invaluable for assessing your cardiac health. Throughout the test, our staff ensure that you are at ease, explaining each step as they go along. Once the electrodes are positioned, the ECG machine records the heart’s electrical signals, offering insights into heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiac function. This detailed analysis is vital for diagnosing a range of heart conditions, making the 12 Lead ECG an indispensable tool in cardiac healthcare.
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12-Lead ECG Monitoring

The 12-lead ECG is a test that provides a comprehensive view of the heart’s electrical activity from 12 different angles, making it exceptionally effective for diagnosing a wide range of acute and chronic conditions quickly.

Service available at

The Hive Clinic, Edgware

Harley Street Clinic, Marylebone

12-lead ECG test procedure

1

During your 12-lead ECG test, You will be asked to remove your clothes to access your chest or lower legs, and you will be placed in a comfortable position, typically lying down, to ensure the most accurate results.

2

Our trained clinicians carefully place electrodes on specific sites on your arms, legs, and chest following the standardised ECG lead placement protocol. This setup is crucial for capturing comprehensive data on your heart’s electrical activity.

3

The procedure is quick, generally takes about 10 minutes to complete, but the information it provides is invaluable for assessing your cardiac health. Throughout the test, our staff ensure that you are at ease, explaining each step as they go along.

4

Once the electrodes are positioned, the ECG machine records the heart’s electrical signals, offering insights into heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiac function.

5

This detailed analysis is vital for diagnosing a range of heart conditions, making the 12-lead ECG an indispensable tool in cardiac healthcare.

Benefits of 12-lead ECG tests

Detailed heart activity analysis

The 12-lead ECG is a comprehensive electrocardiogram test that provides an in-depth look at the heart’s electrical activity, offering critical data on the rate, rhythm, and detailed nuances of heart function when at rest.

Non-invasive with no special preparations

Unlike many diagnostic tests, the 12-lead ECG requires no special preparations. Patients can continue with their regular diet and simply need to wear a gown, which may be provided, for the test.

Expert cardiac health evaluations

Our facility utilises advanced ECG technology and expert cardiologists to review ECG readings, ensuring accurate detection of any abnormalities.

Risks of 12-lead ECG tests

Minimal discomfort

The test involves the placement of electrodes on the arms, legs, and chest, which can be uncomfortable for some but generally causes minimal and temporary discomfort.

Sensitivity to electrode adhesive

Some patients might experience slight irritation from the adhesive used on the electrodes, although this is rare and minor.

Body hair removal might be required

Patients may need to have their body hair shaved for effective electrode adhesion.

Choosing a 12-lead ECG test offers

Precision

Advanced ECG lead placement technology captures precise readings, making the 12-lead ECG test particularly valuable for diagnosing detailed heart conditions.

Safety

As a non-invasive procedure, the 12-lead ECG is safe and does not expose patients to any radiation, making it a preferred choice for continuous cardiac monitoring.

Effective disease monitoring

This test is crucial for ongoing monitoring of heart health, providing essential data that helps in adjusting treatment plans as necessary.

Why choose us for your 12-lead ECG test?

1
Eliminate the stress of cardiac testing with TIC Health, where we offer immediate appointments and direct access to top cardiologists.
2
Our comprehensive cardiac assessments leverage the latest ECG technology to provide detailed diagnostics at competitive prices, ensuring you receive both expert care and value.
3
Our facilities are designed for comfort, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and staffed by compassionate professionals committed to your health.
4
By choosing TIC Health, you’re not just getting a test; you’re gaining a reliable partner in cardiac care, dedicated to empowering you with clear, actionable insights into your heart health.
5
We uphold the principle of clarity in our 12-lead ECG testing procedures and costs. From the moment you book your appointment to when you receive your detailed ECG results, every step is transparent, ensuring that you are well-informed and comfortable throughout your journey with us.

The difference between 12-lead and 24-hour ECG

When it comes to cardiac monitoring, understanding the differences between a 12-lead (resting ECG) and a 24-hour ECG can help you choose the right diagnostic tool for your needs. Both are crucial in assessing heart health but serve different purposes based on the duration and depth of monitoring required.

Category 12-Lead ECG 24-Hour ECG
Overview The 12-lead ECG provides a comprehensive view of the heart’s electrical axes from 12 different angles making it ideal for patients who need a snapshot evaluation of their cardiac function. A 24-hour ECG, also known as Holter monitoring, involves wearing a portable ECG device that continuously records the heart’s rhythms over an entire day. It detects intermittent cardiac issues that might not appear during an isolated ECG trace.
Signal Clarity High standard – good for assessing structure and conductive system of the heart. Moderate standard – Good for assessing rhythm of the heart’s electrical activity.
Duration 10 minutes 24 hours
Location Performed in clinic. Fitted in clinic and worn at home with device returned to clinic.
Ideal Patient Useful for patients with persistent heart symptoms or as part of cardiac health screening. Useful for patients who experience sporadic symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.

12-lead ECG

Overview

The 12-lead ECG provides a comprehensive view of the heart’s electrical axes from 12 different angles making it ideal for patients who need a snapshot evaluation of their cardiac function.

24-hour ECG

Overview

A 24-hour ECG, also known as Holter monitoring, involves wearing a portable ECG device that continuously records the heart’s rhythms over an entire day. It detects intermittent cardiac issues that might not appear during an isolated ECG trace.

12-lead ECG

Signal Clarity

High standard – good for assessing structure and conductive system of the heart.

24-hour ECG

Signal Clarity

Moderate standard – Good for assessing rhythm of the heart’s electrical activity.

12-lead ECG

Duration

10 minutes

24-hour ECG

Duration

24 hours

12-lead ECG

Location

Performed in clinic.

24-hour ECG

Location

Fitted in clinic and worn at home with device returned to clinic.

12-lead ECG

Ideal Patient

Useful for patients with persistent heart symptoms or as part of cardiac health screening.

24-hour ECG

Ideal Patient

Useful for patients who experience sporadic symptoms like dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.

Both types of ECG tests are fundamental to cardiac care, with each serving specific diagnostic needs. Understanding these differences ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective cardiac monitoring based on their individual health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 12-lead ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a non-invasive test that uses ECG placement to record the electrical activity of the heart and is essential for assessing cardiac health.
Yes, this test is completely safe and non-invasive, involving no radiation and minimal discomfort.
A typical 12-lead ECG takes approximately 10 minutes, though times can vary based on individual circumstances.
We offer transparent pricing for our ECG services. Please contact us for a detailed breakdown and any questions regarding insurance coverage.
Patients will have electrodes placed on specific areas of their chest, arms, and legs, which are connected to an ECG machine. This setup follows the standard 12 lead ECG placement to ensure comprehensive cardiac analysis.
No special preparation is required. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and avoid using lotions or ointments on the skin where electrodes will be placed.
Our expert cardiologists will analyse your ECG reading and provide detailed feedback, explaining all findings and what they mean for your heart health.

Wish to book this service?

Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

If you need this service or any other services we offer, please call us at 0333 004 0955 or book an appointment using our online booking service. Our receptionists are available Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to 05:30 PM to answer your call.