With an electrocardiogram or ‘heart film’, electrodes placed on the patient’s body record electrical impulses generated during the operation of the heart.

The study allows for an evaluation of:

• cardiac rhythm, abnormal blood supply to the heart muscle (ischaemia of the heart muscle),
• myocardial infarction (acute or prior),
• overloading and enlargement of the heart chambers and the heart muscle.

Carrying out the study

During an ECG, the patient lies on their back. Electrodes are attached to the hands and feet, and six (6) electrodes are attached to the chest. Movement, talking or coughing is prohibited during the study. In cases of acute illness (persistent chest pain, myocardial infarction), changes can occur relatively quickly in the ECG. Therefore, repeated ECG registrations may be necessary at short intervals.