Private ECG
Electrocardiogram
A quick, painless 12-lead ECG that records your heart’s electrical activity, helping assess heart rhythm, heart rate, conduction problems and signs of cardiac strain.
Ideal for palpitations, dizziness, chest symptoms after urgent causes have been excluded, abnormal pulse, cardiovascular screening, medication monitoring and rapid private cardiac assessment.
ECG overview
Your heart’s electrical activity, captured in minutes
An electrocardiogram, commonly called an ECG, is a fast, painless and non-invasive test that records the electrical signals produced by your heart.
Small adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest, wrists and ankles. The ECG machine records a trace that helps assess heart rate, rhythm and electrical conduction.
- Fast and painless 12-lead ECG
- Useful for symptoms and cardiac screening
- Specialist review and same-day reporting
- No needles, injections or radiation
What an ECG can help identify
An ECG provides rapid information about your heart’s electrical system and may identify rhythm, conduction and strain-related abnormalities.
The ECG procedure, step by step
Electrode placement
Small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest, wrists and ankles. No needles or injections are used.
Recording
You rest still for a short time while the machine records 12 views of the heart’s electrical activity.
Review & report
The ECG trace is reviewed and a same-day report is provided, with guidance on whether further tests are needed.
Understanding the difference
ECG and echocardiogram are different tests. An ECG records electrical activity and rhythm. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to show heart structure, valves and pumping function.
Common reasons for booking a private ECG
A private ECG can be helpful when symptoms, pulse changes, medication use, screening needs or previous results suggest a possible electrical heart rhythm issue.
Symptoms
Palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest symptoms after urgent causes have been excluded, breathlessness, or awareness of an irregular pulse.
Clinical findings
Abnormal pulse, high blood pressure assessment, suspected atrial fibrillation, medication monitoring or previous abnormal ECG.
Screening & follow-up
Heart health screening, pre-operative assessment, sports/exercise screening or follow-up of a known rhythm issue.
What a standard ECG does not replace
A resting ECG records only a short snapshot of the heart’s electrical activity. It does not continuously monitor intermittent palpitations, does not show heart valves or pumping function, and does not replace urgent emergency assessment for active chest pain.
Choose a focused ECG or a more complete heart assessment
If your symptoms are intermittent or if a structural heart problem is suspected, ECG can be combined with Holter monitoring, echocardiography or cardiology consultation.
Standalone ECG
- 12-lead ECG recording
- Same-day specialist review/report
- No GP referral required
ECG + Echocardiogram
- Electrical and structural assessment
- Useful for abnormal ECG, murmur or breathlessness
- Cardiology-led interpretation
ECG + Holter Monitoring
- Useful for intermittent palpitations
- Ambulatory ECG rhythm monitoring
- Can be combined with cardiology review
Your cardiology team
Your private ECG is supported by London Private Ultrasound’s cardiology team, with clear reporting and appropriate guidance if further ECG, Holter monitoring, Echo or cardiology review is needed.
Cardiologist
Dr Farveh Vakilian Aghouee
Cardiologist involved in ECG interpretation, cardiovascular risk assessment, heart health review and onward cardiac guidance.
Cardiologist
Dr Hana Pospisilova
Cardiologist involved in heart health assessment, cardiovascular review, ECG interpretation and patient guidance.
Cardiologist
Dr Mohammad Al-Majali
Cardiologist involved in cardiac assessment, ECG interpretation and interpretation of cardiology investigations.
Book your private ECG online
Choose your preferred appointment time using our secure online booking system. You can also call the clinic if you need help selecting the right cardiac test.
Online booking calendar
Please select your appointment from the booking panel below. If the calendar does not load, use the button below to open the secure booking page.
Private ECG FAQ
Detailed answers for patients comparing ECG, Echo, Holter monitoring and wider heart health checks.
What is an ECG?
An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart using small electrode stickers placed on the chest, wrists and ankles.
How much does a private ECG cost?
A private 12-lead ECG appointment costs £119. This includes the ECG recording and specialist review/reporting.
How long does an ECG take?
The ECG recording itself usually takes only a few minutes. Please allow around 15 to 20 minutes for the appointment, including check-in, preparation and explanation.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book a private ECG directly without a GP referral. Please bring previous ECGs, letters, medication lists or cardiac reports if available.
Is an ECG painful?
No. An ECG is painless and non-invasive. It does not involve needles, injections, contrast or radiation.
What can an ECG detect?
An ECG can help identify heart rhythm abnormalities, atrial fibrillation, heart block, conduction problems, signs of previous heart attack, strain patterns and some medication or electrolyte-related changes.
Can an ECG detect all heart problems?
No. An ECG records electrical activity at the time of the test. It does not directly show heart structure, valve function or coronary arteries. Depending on symptoms, an Echo, Holter monitor, blood tests or cardiology review may be recommended.
What is the difference between ECG and echocardiogram?
An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity. An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to assess the heart’s structure, valves and pumping function. They are different but complementary tests.
When should I choose Holter monitoring instead?
Holter monitoring is more suitable when symptoms such as palpitations, skipped beats or dizziness come and go, because it records your heart rhythm continuously over several days.
Can I combine ECG with an Echo?
Yes. Many patients combine ECG with echocardiography to assess both electrical activity and heart structure/function.
Can I have an ECG if I have a pacemaker?
Yes. An ECG can still be performed if you have a pacemaker, and the tracing may show paced rhythm. Please tell the team before the test.
Do I need to prepare for an ECG?
No special preparation is required. Avoid applying heavy body lotion to the chest before the appointment, as it may affect electrode contact.
Will I need to undress?
You may need to remove upper clothing so electrodes can be placed on the chest. Privacy, dignity and chaperone preferences are respected.
Can I take my usual medication before the ECG?
Yes, continue your usual medication unless your own doctor has advised otherwise. Bring a medication list if possible.
Can an ECG show a heart attack?
An ECG can show patterns that may suggest a current or previous heart attack, but it is only one part of assessment. Active chest pain requires urgent emergency care and may also need blood tests such as troponin.
Should I book an ECG for active chest pain?
No. If you have current chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, collapse, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, call 999 or attend A&E immediately rather than booking a private appointment.
Can an ECG diagnose atrial fibrillation?
Yes, if atrial fibrillation is present at the time of recording. If it comes and goes, Holter monitoring may be needed to capture it.
Can an ECG help with palpitations?
Yes. It can identify rhythm abnormalities present during the test and may show clues to intermittent rhythm problems. If palpitations are not happening during the ECG, Holter monitoring may be recommended.
Where is the ECG performed?
ECG appointments are performed at London Private Ultrasound, 27 Welbeck Street, London W1G 8EN, in the Harley Street medical district.
Can my report be sent to my GP or specialist?
Yes. You can share the written report with your GP, NHS specialist or private cardiologist. The report is written in a format suitable for onward clinical review.
What happens if the ECG is abnormal?
The report will explain the finding and recommend the most appropriate next step, such as GP follow-up, cardiology consultation, echocardiogram, Holter monitoring, blood tests or urgent referral if needed.
Book your private ECG today
Fast, painless, specialist-reviewed and available without a GP referral. Book online or speak to our team if you are unsure whether ECG, Echo or Holter monitoring is most suitable.