ECG in Paris

It looks for problems in how the electrical signal travels through your heart: an irregular rhythm such as atrial fibrillation, extra beats, a rhythm that's too fast or too slow, a conduction block, and signs that may suggest the heart muscle is under strain or has been affected. The cardiologist reads it in the context of your symptoms and history. Because a single ECG captures only a moment, an intermittent problem may not show up on it, so a Holter recording is sometimes added, but on its own, an ECG is a fast, valuable first look.

No. It simply records your heart's electrical activity through electrodes on the skin; nothing injected, no current sent into you, no radiation. You lie relaxed for a few moments while the tracing is recorded. The only preparation is practical: wear a top that's easy to remove, and avoid creams or oils on the skin that day so the electrodes make good contact. There's nothing to feel.

One of the quickest tests in cardiology: the recording itself lasts a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and the whole thing, including placing the electrodes, is usually done within a few minutes. It's often performed during the same consultation, so it adds very little time to your visit. Because it's so quick and painless, it's easy to repeat when the cardiologist wants to compare tracings over time.

Almost no preparation needed. Eat, drink and take your usual medication normally beforehand. Wear a top that's easy to remove for the electrodes, and avoid creams or oils on the skin that day, since they can reduce electrode contact. If you've had previous ECGs, bring them so the cardiologist can compare your tracings over time. That's it: arrive on time and dressed practically.

As part of a routine check-up, or to investigate symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, breathlessness or a fainting spell. It's also performed before certain treatments or sports, and to follow a known heart condition. If your symptoms come and go, the cardiologist may follow up with a Holter recording to catch an intermittent problem. When symptoms are severe or sudden, such as lasting chest pain, treat it as an emergency and call 15 (SAMU) or 112 rather than waiting for a routine appointment.

An ECG records your heart's electrical activity at a single moment, over a few seconds; a Holter records it continuously over a longer period, from 24 hours to two weeks. Both are painless and use electrodes on the skin, but they answer different questions. The cardiologist starts with an ECG because it's quick and immediate; if it's normal but an intermittent problem is suspected, such as palpitations that come and go, a Holter catches the arrhythmia during everyday life. In short: the ECG is the snapshot, the Holter is the film, and the ECG is almost always the first step.

They look at different aspects of your heart. The ECG records electrical activity and reveals rhythm and conduction problems; the echocardiogram is an ultrasound that shows the heart's structure and function, such as how well the left ventricle is pumping and whether a valve is leaking. The two are often combined, for example within a cardiac check-up, because together they cover both. An ECG is quicker and usually done first; the echocardiogram is added when the cardiologist needs to see the heart in motion. Neither is painful, and neither uses radiation.

An ECG can show signs that suggest the heart muscle is under strain, isn't getting enough blood, or has been affected by a previous event, which is why it's a key first-line test: during chest pain, it helps judge whether the heart is involved. However, it captures only a moment, so a normal tracing doesn't always rule out a problem, and further tests such as an echocardiogram, a stress test or blood tests may be needed. If you have intense, lasting chest pain, don't wait for an ECG appointment: call 15 (SAMU) or 112, as it may be an emergency.

Yes. It records your heart at a single moment, so a normal tracing doesn't always mean there's no problem, especially when symptoms come and go. Many rhythm disorders are intermittent and simply may not be present during those few seconds. That's why the cardiologist reads the ECG together with your symptoms and, when a problem is suspected, adds a Holter recording or an echocardiogram. A normal ECG is reassuring, but it's one piece of the picture.

A prescription from your doctor is generally required to carry out complementary examinations. If in doubt, our secretariat is available to advise you.

Use the online booking button on this page, or call the secretariat. An ECG is usually performed within a consultation or a cardiac check-up, so mention your reason (palpitations, or a routine check) and we'll plan the right appointment. Bring previous ECGs and your medication list, and wear a top that's easy to remove. New patients are welcome. If your symptoms are severe or sudden, such as lasting chest pain, treat it as an emergency and call 15 (SAMU) or 112 rather than waiting for an appointment.