At Shire Family Medical’s Sutherland medical centre, ECG testing is available on-site where a GP considers it clinically relevant. An ECG (or electrocardiogram) is one of the most commonly ordered heart tests in general practice: non-invasive, usually painless, and capable of giving your GP detailed information about your heart’s electrical activity in a matter of minutes.
Shire Family Medical, a GP medical centre at 154 Flora Street, Sutherland, provides on-site ECG testing as part of a range of preventive health and diagnostic services. This article explains what an ECG is, the different types your GP may discuss, when the test may be recommended, what to expect on the day, and how to prepare.
What Is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical signals produced by the heart with each beat. Small adhesive sensors called electrodes are placed on the skin (typically on the chest, arms and legs) and connected to a machine that generates a tracing for your GP to review.
The test does not send electricity into the body. It simply reads the signals the heart already produces. A standard resting ECG is quick and usually painless, though removing the adhesive electrodes may cause brief discomfort, particularly over body hair. ECG is sometimes written as EKG, both refer to the same test.
What Can an ECG Check For?
An ECG provides information about the heart’s rhythm and electrical conduction, but not everything about heart health. It may help detect or assess:
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), including atrial fibrillation
- Abnormally fast or slow heart rates
- Electrical conduction changes, such as heart block
- Signs of strain on the heart muscle
- Changes that may suggest a previous or current cardiac event, depending on clinical context
- The effect of certain medications on heart rhythm, where relevant
An ECG does not directly measure cholesterol, arterial blockages, blood pressure, or overall cardiovascular risk. A normal result does not always mean there is no underlying problem: some conditions only produce changes intermittently, or may not affect electrical activity at all. Results are always interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, medications, and other clinical findings.
Types of ECG Your GP May Discuss
There are three main types of ECG, each suited to different clinical situations. The test most patients have at a GP practice is a resting ECG, but your GP may refer to or discuss the other types.
Resting ECG
A resting ECG is performed while you lie still. Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs, and the machine records the heart’s electrical activity over a short period, usually a few minutes. It is the standard ECG available in GP clinics and provides a snapshot of the heart’s rhythm and conduction at the time of the recording.
Ambulatory ECG (Holter Monitor)
An ambulatory ECG uses a wearable recording device that captures the heart’s electrical activity continuously over 24 hours or longer, while you go about your normal daily routine. Your GP may refer you for a Holter monitor if symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness are intermittent and may not be present during a brief clinic recording. The device is typically arranged through a specialist or cardiac testing facility rather than a GP clinic.
Exercise Stress Test
An exercise stress test records the heart’s electrical activity while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike, to assess how the heart performs under physical demand. This type of ECG is usually arranged by a cardiologist or specialist cardiac facility. If you are unable to exercise, medication may be used to simulate the physiological effect of exertion.
For most patients attending a GP appointment, a resting ECG is the relevant test. Your GP can advise whether further cardiac assessment (including referral for monitoring or specialist review) is appropriate for your situation.
When Might Your GP Recommend an ECG?
Your GP may recommend an ECG to investigate symptoms, review a known cardiac condition, assess medication effects on heart rhythm, or as part of a structured health assessment.
Symptoms that may lead to an ECG discussion include:
- Chest discomfort, pressure or tightness
- Palpitations: a racing, fluttering, or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Shortness of breath, particularly on exertion
- Unexplained fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
- An irregular pulse noted during a clinical examination
An ECG may also be considered during preventive health reviews, pre-procedure assessments, or when certain medications require heart rhythm monitoring. The clinical context shapes how the result is interpreted and what follow-up is needed.
When Symptoms Need Urgent Care
An ECG at a GP clinic is not a substitute for emergency assessment. If you experience severe chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back, sudden severe shortness of breath, fainting, or any combination of symptoms that feels like a medical emergency: call 000 or go directly to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a GP appointment.
What Happens During an ECG?
A resting ECG at a GP clinic is straightforward. You will be asked to lie on an examination table while a clinician places adhesive electrodes on your chest, arms and legs. During the recording, you will be asked to remain still and breathe normally: movement or muscle tension can affect the quality of the tracing.
The recording itself usually takes only a few minutes. Once complete, the electrodes are removed and you can return to your normal activities unless your GP advises otherwise. The full appointment includes preparation, placing and removing electrodes, and GP review of the result.
How To Prepare for an ECG
Most people do not need special preparation for a standard resting ECG. A few practical steps can help the appointment go smoothly:
- Wear a top that is easy to remove or adjust, to allow access to the chest
- Avoid applying heavy moisturiser or body oils to the chest on the day
- Tell your GP about all current medications and supplements, including over-the-counter products
- Mention any implanted cardiac devices, known heart conditions, or previous ECG results
- Bring relevant specialist letters or hospital discharge summaries if available
- Describe your symptoms clearly: when they occur, what you are doing, how long they last, and whether they relate to exertion, rest, stress, caffeine, alcohol, or medication
If your symptoms come and go, keeping a brief symptom diary in the days before your appointment can help your GP understand the pattern and decide whether additional monitoring is needed.
What If the ECG Result Is Normal?
A normal ECG can be reassuring, but it does not always explain every symptom. Some heart rhythm changes are intermittent and may not appear during a brief recording. Many symptoms that prompt an ECG (such as palpitations, fatigue, or shortness of breath) can also have non-cardiac causes, including anaemia, thyroid dysfunction, dehydration, anxiety, caffeine, or medication effects.
If symptoms continue after a normal ECG, your GP may consider further assessment. Depending on the clinical picture, this could include blood tests, blood pressure monitoring, extended Holter monitoring, imaging, referral to a cardiologist, or review of non-cardiac contributors.
What If the ECG Result Is Abnormal?
An abnormal ECG does not automatically mean something dangerous is happening. Many ECG changes are minor, incidental, or related to a known condition. Others may warrant prompt follow-up.
Your GP will consider the ECG pattern alongside your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history before advising next steps. These may include a repeat ECG, blood tests, medication review, referral to a cardiologist, or urgent assessment if the clinical findings are concerning. If your GP recommends urgent assessment after reviewing an ECG result, follow that advice promptly.
ECG and Broader Heart Health Checks
An ECG is not the same as a cardiovascular risk assessment. A cardiovascular risk assessment looks at your overall likelihood of a heart-related event, using factors such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, smoking history, family history, kidney health, and lifestyle, an ECG may or may not form part of this picture.
If you are due for a preventive health review, Shire Family Medical’s Check-ups & GP Health Assessments can cover cardiovascular risk factors, relevant screening, and a discussion of which investigations (including an ECG) are appropriate for your age, history, and risk profile.
For men in particular, heart health is a common focus during preventive health appointments, especially when risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, smoking, or reduced exercise tolerance are present. The Men’s Health GP service at Shire Family Medical provides an opportunity to review these alongside other aspects of your health.
Questions To Ask Your GP
If your GP recommends an ECG, it is reasonable to ask what the test is for and what comes next. Useful questions include:
- What symptom or concern are we investigating?
- What can an ECG show, and what can it not show?
- Will I need any other tests alongside this one?
- What happens if the result is normal but my symptoms continue?
- What happens if the result is abnormal?
- Should I restrict any activities while waiting for results or follow-up?
- When should I seek urgent care rather than waiting for a routine appointment?
A clear conversation before and after the test helps ensure the result is interpreted in context, and that you know what the next step will be.
On-site ECG testing is available at Shire Family Medical where clinically appropriate, with GP interpretation and follow-up based on the full clinical picture, including your symptoms, history, and risk factors. To arrange an appointment, book online or call 02 9545 1777.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ECG?
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart using small adhesive electrodes placed on the skin. It produces a tracing that shows the heart’s rhythm, rate, and electrical conduction. An ECG is non-invasive, usually takes only a few minutes, and does not send electricity into the body.
What does an ECG test check for?
An ECG can check for irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), abnormally fast or slow heart rates, electrical conduction changes, and signs of strain on the heart muscle. It does not directly measure cholesterol, blood pressure, or arterial blockages, and a normal result does not always rule out all cardiac conditions. ECG results are always interpreted alongside symptoms, history, and other clinical information.
What are the different types of ECG?
The three main types are a resting ECG (performed in a clinic while you lie still, the most common type at a GP practice), an ambulatory ECG or Holter monitor (a wearable device that records the heart continuously over 24 hours or longer), and an exercise stress test (which records heart activity during physical exertion, usually arranged by a specialist). For most GP appointments, a resting ECG is the relevant test.
Is an ECG painful?
A standard ECG is usually painless. Small adhesive electrodes are placed on the skin to detect the heart’s electrical signals: no electricity is sent into the body. Removing the electrode stickers at the end of the test may cause brief discomfort, particularly over body hair.
Why would a GP recommend an ECG?
A GP may recommend an ECG to investigate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath. An ECG may also be considered as part of monitoring certain cardiac conditions, reviewing the effects of medications on heart rhythm, completing a health assessment, or assessing cardiovascular risk factors. The reason for recommending the test shapes how the result is interpreted.
What if my ECG is normal but I still have symptoms?
A normal ECG is reassuring but does not always explain every symptom. Some rhythm changes are intermittent and may not occur during a brief recording. Many symptoms that prompt an ECG (such as palpitations or breathlessness) can also have non-cardiac causes. If symptoms continue after a normal result, your GP may recommend further assessment, such as extended monitoring, blood tests, or specialist referral.
Can an ECG detect a heart attack?
An ECG can show changes that may be consistent with a heart attack, either one that is currently occurring or one that has happened in the past. However, if you are experiencing severe chest pain, pressure spreading to the arm or jaw, sudden shortness of breath, or symptoms that feel like a medical emergency, call 000 immediately rather than waiting for a GP appointment.
This article provides general health information only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Any treatment, test, procedure or vaccination mentioned is for illustrative purposes only — suitability depends on individual circumstances and assessment by a qualified health professional. Medical information can change; always speak with your GP about your specific symptoms, health history and care options. In an emergency, call 000.
