A clear look at your heart's electrics.
Despite all the modern imaging available, an ECG is still the essential first-line test for assessing the heart's electrical activity — and it still picks up things nothing else does.
Available same-day at every Duality clinic, following a GP consultation. Detailed report shared with you electronically as a PDF.
£80 · 12-lead ECG Same-day after a GP consultation- GP-led assessment
- Often same day
- Available at every clinic
A quick word about how to book
An ECG isn't booked on its own — you'll book a GP appointment first, where we'll assess your symptoms and decide whether an ECG is the right next step. If it is, we can usually run it the same day.
How it works
From GP consult to PDF report.
Three simple steps — from booking your GP appointment to receiving your ECG report.
GP consultation
Book a GP appointment first. They'll talk through your symptoms, examine you, and decide whether an ECG is clinically appropriate.
ECG, often same day
Sticky pads are placed on your chest, wrists and ankles while you lie very still on a bed. The recording itself is quick — under 5 minutes.
PDF report
Your ECG is shared with you electronically as a PDF following the appointment, along with a clear interpretation from your GP.
What an ECG can show
Why we use a 12-lead ECG.
An ECG is a first-line test for a wide range of cardiac concerns. Here are the main reasons we'd recommend one.
Identify arrhythmias
Detect abnormal heart rhythms including atrial fibrillation, the most common cause of palpitations.
Investigate palpitations
If your heart's racing, skipping or fluttering, an ECG helps work out what's behind it.
Look for heart attack changes
Evidence of recent or previous myocardial infarction — past or present.
Coronary artery clues
Signals that may suggest narrowing or blockages in the heart's arteries.
High-risk rhythm syndromes
Screen for inherited conditions like Long-QT and Brugada Syndrome that can be life-threatening if missed.
Check pacemaker function
Verify a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator (ICD) is doing its job properly.
Investigate fainting
A history of syncope, blackouts or loss of consciousness often warrants an ECG.
Monitor medication effects
Some medications affect the heart's rhythm — an ECG checks they're being well tolerated.
Baseline reassurance
A first ECG to keep on file is useful — future tests can be compared against your own normal.
When to consider one
Symptoms & risk factors that warrant an ECG.
If any of these apply to you, an ECG is often a sensible first step.
Symptoms
- Palpitations or fluttering
- Chest pain
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Fainting or blackouts
- Loss of consciousness
Conditions & risk factors
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Previous stroke
- Chronic kidney disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Smoker, current or former
- Family history of cardiac issues
Around 450,000 people in the UK are walking around with undiagnosed atrial fibrillation — and at risk of a stroke as a result. An ECG is how we catch it.
12-lead ECG
Procedure & report included · runs after your GP consultation
FAQs
Frequently asked questions.
Why do I need a GP appointment first?
An ECG isn't useful in isolation — it's a clinical test that needs to be ordered for a reason and interpreted alongside your symptoms, history and examination. Booking a GP first lets us decide whether an ECG is the right test, and if so, run it the same day.
How is the test done?
You'll lie on a bed after taking off outer layers of clothing. Small sticky electrode pads are placed on your chest, wrists and ankles. The machine then records the heart's electrical activity from 12 different views — known as a "12-lead" ECG.
You'll be asked to lie very still during the recording; even small movements can mean a repeat is needed.
Are there any risks?
None. The only thing patients sometimes notice is mild discomfort when the sticky pads come off — particularly if there's chest hair. The test itself is painless and totally safe.
When will I get my results?
You'll usually get an initial interpretation from your GP at the same appointment. The full ECG trace is then emailed to you as a PDF after the appointment.
If your GP needs more time to review, or if a cardiology opinion is helpful, they'll explain next steps before you leave.
What does it cost?
The ECG itself is £80, which includes the procedure and your written report. You'll also pay for the GP appointment that comes first (£75 in clinic or £49 virtual). Optional follow-up appointments to discuss the result are also discounted.
Is there an alternative?
For assessing the heart's electrical activity — no. There's no other test that gives the same information. ECGs have been in clinical use for over 50 years for a reason: they work.
Concerned about your heart?
Don't wait it out. Book a GP appointment today — if an ECG is the right next step, we can usually run it the same day.