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Introduction

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a scan that records information about the heart, including heartbeat and rhythm, and the spread of electrical signals through the heart.

ECGs can be used to:

• find differences in your child’s heartbeat
• measure your child’s heart and any extra muscle mass
• find and correct any electrolyte imbalances that may cause arrhythmias
• find out whether the heart is getting enough oxygen
• find out if any heart muscle has been damaged from blockages
• check if a pacemaker is functioning properly.

They are also used to investigate:

• arrhythmias - irregular heart rhythms.
• chest pain
• suspected heart disease
• infections in the heart tissue
• cardiomyopathy - changes in the heart muscle that affect how well it works
• how different medications affect the heart
• heart issues that have developed from another health condition, like an eating disorder.

Before the scan, let your child’s treatment team and physiologist know if they have any allergies to:

• latex
• band-ads
• Elastoplast
• Any other sticky skin adhesives.

Do not apply creams, lotions, or powders to your child’s body, arms, or legs before the scan. These products can leave a residue that prevents the electrodes from sticking to the skin properly.

Your child will be asked to lie on the procedure bed, and the physiologist will enter their information into a computer.

Sticky electrodes will then be placed on their skin and attached to wires called leads. 

Your child will need to lie still for around two minutes. The exact length of time will depend on how old your child is, their stage of development and how well they are staying still.

The ECG will take much longer if the child is unsettled or moving continuously. If your child cannot remain still, the test may be rescheduled.

Your child will not feel anything as they lie still. Information from the electrodes is sent to the computer, and a snapshot of the results is printed onto grid paper.

After the scan, you can help your child remove the electrodes from their skin.

Because the electrodes are sticky, the skin may have some redness immediately after they are removed. This should fade quickly.

The results will be sent to your child’s doctor. You will need to book a follow-up appointment with them to discuss the results and any further tests or treatment.