Westridge Medical
COVID-19

Shop 15, Westridge Shopping Centre, 300 West Street

Kearneys Spring, Toowoomba, 4350, QLD

07 4636 6884

Call to book an appointment

BOOK NOW
Westridge Medical
COVID-19
BOOK NOW

Shop 15, Westridge Shopping Centre, 300 West Street

Kearneys Spring, Toowoomba, 4350, QLD

07 4636 6884

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

ASSESS YOUR HEART RHYTHM

Monitor Your Heart with an ECG

CARE FOR YOUR HEART

ECGs at Westridge Medical are often performed to monitor the health of people diagnosed with heart problems. An ECG helps to assess artificial cardiac pacemakers or to monitor the effects of certain medications on one’s heart.

If you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting or other symptoms that may indicate a medical emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Do not use online booking for urgent medical care. For non-urgent symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness or other heart concerns, arrange an appointment with your GP, who will assess whether an ECG or further investigation is appropriate.

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

An electrocardiogram is commonly used to detect heart problems and monitor the heart in different situations. An ECG is a routine and painless cardiac investigation, providing  results very quickly. 

The electrocardiograph records the electrical activity of the heart muscle and displays this data as a trace on a screen or on paper. This data is then interpreted by a medical practitioner.

ECGs from healthy hearts have a characteristic shape. Any irregularity in the heart rhythm or damage to the heart muscle can change the electrical activity of the heart so that the shape of the ECG is changed. 
 
A doctor may recommend an ECG for people who may be at risk of heart disease because there is a family history of heart disease, or because they smoke, are overweight, or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. 

What’s involved in an ECG?

An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity and may help identify certain heart-rhythm abnormalities or other changes that require further assessment. An ECG does not identify every heart condition, and additional investigations may be recommended depending on your symptoms and clinical circumstances.

The ECG results will be reviewed by a medical practitioner. Depending on the findings, symptoms and medical history, further testing or referral to a cardiologist may be recommended.

An ECG is a quick and non-invasive routine test. Here’s what you can expect from an ECG:

  • Electrodes (small metal disks) will be attached to your chest and your limbs.
  • The electrodes have wires which attach to the electrocardiograph machine that record and print out cardiac electrical activity.
  • The test is usually completed within 5 minutes

 

how can i keep my heart healthy?

  • Keep a heart healthy diet which includes fruit & veg, wholegrain cereals with natural grains, choose healthy fats, use herbs and spices instead of salt. 
  • Regular physical activity is vital to reduce your risk of having a heart attack or developing heart disease. 
  • Quitting smoking will decrease your risk of heart attack and stroke. 
  • Understand how to controlling cholesterol and blood pressure which is key to your heart health. 
  •  Eat fish at least twice a week – including a portion of oily fish. The source of omega-3 fats may help protect against heart disease.
  • Drink less alcohol! Don’t forget alcohol contains calories, stick to the recommended daily alcohol limits.
  • Read the food label… check calories, fat and sugar content on packaging to make healthier choices. See this link for more information on reading food labels.
Heart care Westridge Medical ECG

Keeping your heart healthy is something you can work on every day! Eating well, sleeping well and exercising all contribute to a healthier heart!

If you have any heart concerns book an appointment with your GP at Westridge Medical on 0746366884.