CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY (CARDIAC CATHETERISATION)
Dr. Richard Mansfield
BSc (Hons) MB ChB MD FRCP FESC
CONSULTANT CARDIOLOGIST
Note: I am happy to answer general questions regarding the content of this website, but I cannot give clinical advice. Such requests will not be answered.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of the heart. A number of small electrodes are placed on the ankles and wrists and further electrodes are positioned across the front of the chest. Each heartbeat is generated by an electrical signal and this is recorded. This enables assessment to be made of the heart rhythm but may also demonstrate a previous heart attack or show whether the heart is under strain due to conditions such as high blood pressure (Hypertension) or valve disease.
A normal ECG does not exclude underlying cardiac disease but an abnormal ECG is helpful in trying to define the cause of symptoms.