What is it?

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool used in assessing the cardiovascular system. It is a tracing of the electrical disturbance following cardiac contractions.

What do you use this for?

ECG is used at ICIM help in the diagnosis of enlarged heart chambers, dysrhythemias, myocardial ischemia (heart attack), conduction abnormalities, abnormal cardiac blood results and the effect of some medications. ECG is used as part of the diagnosis for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). CVD accounts for 36% of all deaths in Ireland*.

Why should I have it done?

An ECG can tell a lot about your heart and your overall health. At ICIM we use the ECG as part of our ICIM Cardiovascular Assessment to check for risk of heart attack and any abnormalities of the heart, such as heart mummer, a heart that beats too fast or too slow, or muscle changes in the heart. Abnormalities in your heart can show no signs or symptoms until it is too late!

If you have a history of cardiac disease in your family, your risk is increased and you should have an ECG.

Your medical professional may order an ECG if you are showing signs or symptoms of cardiac problems.

Why should I do it at ICIM? What is the difference between the ECG at ICIM and elsewhere?

At ICIM you experience a nice, relaxing experience with a friendly nurse to ease you into the test. At ICIM you won’t have to wait for your ECG, if you have an appointment you will be seen at that time, no waiting, no fuss! At ICIM you are not just a number to be processed, you are a valuable patient with individual needs. Because ECG’s at ICIM are by appointment only your advantages are:

·                                  No waiting in a busy waiting room surrounded by sick people.

·                                  No stress at being late for another appointment, therefore clearer ECG reports.

·                                Adequate time allocated to you to ensure a quality ECG

What are the costs and protocols?

ECG’s at ICIM cost €68.

12 leads are attached to your chest, wrists and ankles while you are lying down on a bench in the nurses’ room. A tracing of the electrical impulses in your heart is then taken from the leads attached to a computer and the results are printed on graph paper.

The whole procedure takes about 15 - 20 minutes and is pain free. There are no side effects or risks of radiation.

Women are advised to wear separate shirt and skirt/ trousers for ease of access to the chest. No under-wire bras to be worn.

How do I make an appointment?

To make an appointment you can call on 00353 45 844819 or email: info@icim.ie anytime. Clinical hours are between 9am – 6 pm, Monday - Friday. Visit us at: Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine, St. Johns Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare (See Map). Or visit our website: www.icim.ie

What do I do with the results?

Your Results are your own. You may wish to bring them to your own GP or practitioner (if you do not have a doctor or practitioner Click Here), or you can arrange to see an ICIM medical doctor.