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Abnormal ECG

Abnormal ECG

Understanding Your ECG:

Why It Matters and What to Do Next

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a vital test used to monitor the electrical activity of your heart. It helps identify any irregularities in your heart’s rhythm and can provide important insights into your overall heart health.  If you’re concerned about an irregularity in your heart’s electrical activity detected during your ECG test, this article will provide clarity on what it could mean. While it’s natural to feel worried, rest assured that we’re here to guide you through the next steps and ensure your heart health is well taken care of.

What Does an Abnormal ECG Mean?

An abnormal ECG may indicate that your heart’s electrical activity isn’t following a normal pattern. This could be due to one of the following conditions:

  • Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias): Your heart may be beating too fast, too slow, or erratically.
  • Heart attack: It could indicate a recent or past heart attack caused by a lack of oxygen to the heart.
  • Heart enlargement: Often linked to high blood pressure or other underlying conditions.
  • Electrolyte imbalances: Such as low or high potassium levels affecting how your heart functions.
  • Blocked arteries: Poor blood flow to the heart due to blockages in the arteries.
What Are Your Next Steps?

While an abnormal ECG can be alarming, it doesn’t always mean something serious is wrong. We offer several options for the next steps to ensure your heart health is fully assessed and managed.

Option 1: Repeat ECG

Sometimes, ECG abnormalities are temporary and may resolve on their own. To confirm whether the irregularity persists, your GP may recommend a repeat ECG for a fee of £60. If the results come back normal, you’ll be given the all-clear.

Option 2: Referral to a Cardiologist

A cardiologist specialises in heart health, and if needed, your GP may refer you to one for more advanced tests to further evaluate your condition. Your GP will explain why specialist guidance might be important based on your results, and with your agreement, a referral will be issued for a fee of £50. You can then take this referral to a cardiologist, who will assess your results and recommend the appropriate course of action. If the results come back normal, you’ll receive the all-clear. Please note that the cardiologist’s consultation fee is separate and will be charged directly by the cardiologist.

Option 3: Review with Your NHS GP

You also have the option to consult your NHS GP for further advice and management. They may recommend additional tests or refer you to a cardiologist if necessary. Once you receive your ECG results, you can choose to schedule an appointment with your GP to review them. They will guide you through the findings and recommend the appropriate next steps to ensure your heart health is properly managed.

Option 4: Urgent Action Required?

In some cases, an abnormal ECG may indicate a more serious heart issue. If your results suggest a need for urgent care, we strongly advise you to visit your nearest A&E (Accident & Emergency) without delay. If you feel unwell or your symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to call 999. Please avoid driving yourself and seek immediate medical attention at A&E.

ECG (with Specialist Report)

YEHS provides 6-lead and 12-lead ECGs at the clinic with specialist reporting.

Within minutes of taking the ECG, we can provide a full written expert clinical analysis and interpretation / report. 

Our ECGs are reported by UK practising cardiac clinicians and cardiology registrars with extensive cardiology clinical experience in coronary care units.

We do not rely on AI or ‘computer interpretation’ as these have too many errors.

Worried about your heart health, Learn More & Book Your Appointment here.

Your heart health matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.   

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