Private ECG Test in Preston
Do you find yourself having strange sensations in your heart?
Whether it is a fluttering, palpitation or some other unexplained feeling, an ECG is a useful and informative test when it comes to identifying and understanding your heart health. My Private Clinic in Fulwood offers private ECG tests with Dr Faizal.
GMC Registered CQC Registered GP-Explained Results No Referral Needed
What is an ECG test?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick, safe, and painless test that records the electrical activity and rhythm of your heart.
Even when you are sleeping your heart generates electrical impulse, every time it beats. An ECG records these signals and produces a tracing that can be analysed by a healthcare professional. This trace can highlight irregularities in the rhythm of your heart, and how fast or slow it is beating.
In this procedure, a trained healthcare professional places 10 electrodes on specific areas of your limbs and chest to record your heart's electrical activity over a brief 10-second window.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Last updated: September 2026
What can an ECG test show?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) displays the electrical activity and rhythm of your heart as lines on the graph with peaks and dips.
Dr Faizal will observe:
- Heart Rate: Based on the spacing of the waves on the graph Dr Faizal will examine how fast or slow your heart beats
- Heart Rhythm: Whether your heartbeat is normal or irregular (arrhythmias).
- Heart Attacks: Active blockages or signs of previous, hidden heart damage.
- Heart Size: Signs that the walls of the heart are thickened, strained, or enlarged.
- Blood Supply Issues: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (ischaemia).
It is important to understand that a normal ECG does not mean you are having a healthy heart, as some abnormalities are not shown clearly on an ECG trace, so it is advised to have other tests along with an ECG to get a complete picture of your heart’s health.
Why would you need an ECG?
You may need an ECG (electrocardiogram) to investigate symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Doctors use this painless test to check your heart's electrical activity, diagnose rhythm problems, detect heart attacks, or assess heart health before surgery.
Some common reasons doctors recommend a private ECG test include:
Investigate symptoms
Find the cause of sudden chest discomfort, a racing or irregular pulse, or unexplained fatigue.
Detects heart conditions
Identify arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms), coronary heart disease, or signs of a past or current heart attack.
Monitor existing issues
Check how well treatments, medications, pacemakers, or heart conditions are working.
Pre-surgical clearance
Ensure your heart is strong enough to handle general anaesthesia and upcoming operations.
If you are unsure whether you need an ECG or not, it is best to begin with a Private GP Appointment.
What happens during an ECG Test?
Ten small, sticky patches called electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
The wires link the patches to an ECG recording machine. You will have to lie still and relax for a few minutes while the machine traces your heart's rhythm and electrical waves on paper or a screen.
The procedure is the same for women and men. The chest does need to be accessible for electrode placement, and throughout the process your privacy and dignity are taken care of. If anything about the procedure still concerns you, please get in touch with the team.
How Long Does an ECG Take?
A normal ECG takes about 5 to 10 minutes in total, with the actual heart recording taking only a few seconds. If a GP consultation is also included in your ECG, the appointment may get longer.
Do You Need to Prepare for an ECG?
No special preparation is needed for an ECG test. You can eat and drink normally, and you should continue taking your regular medicines unless your doctor tells you not to take them.
There are also some important points that you should keep in mind before going for a private ECG test:
- Do not apply any type of powder, lotions or oils on to your chest, arms, or legs on the day of the test because they stop the sticky sensors (electrodes) from sticking properly.
- Wear a top and clothes that are easy to take off or adjust, as you will need to remove your upper clothing for the test.
- Avoid wearing full-length tights or stockings because electrodes need to be placed directly on the skin of your legs.
If you have any questions about what you can and cannot do before your ECG, Contact Us at My Private Clinic and we will be happy to answer them.
How are ECG results explained?
An ECG can give a complete picture about your heart's health, but it should be interpreted according to your symptoms and by someone trained in cardiology.
A normal ECG trace means that at the time of the test, there were no irregularities or issues recorded. However, this does not necessarily rule out all heart conditions. If there is an abnormal trace shown on your ECG, this does not always mean there is something wrong, but it can be an indication that further testing may be required.
This is where Dr Faizal can discuss with you what your ECG results mean, and whether any further action is needed or if more tests should be carried out. He will also talk with you about how you are feeling and assess whether any other conditions may be playing a part.
If you need further tests or a specialist referral, he will also be able to help you with that.
ECG vs Heart Health Check - What is the Difference?
An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a very specific 5-to-10-minute test that records the heart's electrical signals, while a heart health check is a broad medical term that includes an ECG along with blood tests, blood pressure checks, and physical exams to assess your overall cardiovascular health.
If you are unsure which test you need, it is advised to start with a Private GP Appointment first.
Why choose us?
Some of the benefits of choosing My Private Clinic for your private ECG test include:
GP review
Dr Faizal conducts a full review of your ECG trace and discusses your results in simple, clear terms.
Explains results
Dr Faizal will be happy to go through your ECG results with you in detail and explain exactly what they mean.
Appropriate follow up
If you require specialist care or further tests, Dr Faizal will be able to help you with this.
No GP referral needed
You can book directly with us for a simple and speedy private ECG test
Who is Dr Faizal?
Dr Faizal Secretary founded My Private Clinic after working as an NHS GP for a number of years. In his private practice, he is committed to listening thoroughly to his patients’ concerns and carrying out the ECG test.
During your appointment with Dr Faizal, he will go through all of your symptoms and concerns before discussing the results of your ECG with you in detail.
“Good healthcare starts with listening properly.”Dr Faizal Secretary
How much does a private ECG test cost?
An ECG test price varies according to your location and the provider you choose. If you want to know how much you have to pay for an ECG test at My Private Clinic, contact us directly to ask for details.
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What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a simple and useful test which records the rhythm, rate and electrical activity of your heart.
What can an ECG show?
An ECG is a brilliantly simple yet powerful test that gives us a window into your heart’s electrical activity. It captures the tiny electrical pulses that make your heart beat and translates them into a visual trace. It’s like getting a real-time report on how your heart is behaving at that very moment.
Can an ECG show blocked heart arteries?
An ECG records your heart electrical activity but not the arteries activity directly. It can sometimes pick up changes caused by a blockage, but a CT coronary angiogram is the right test for assessing the arteries.
Can an ECG diagnose heart disease?
Yes, an ECG can detect heart problems by recording the electrical signals that move through your heart but a normal ECG is not an indication of your heart health. It is one useful piece of information, not a complete diagnosis on its own.
Is an ECG a painful procedure?
An ECG is a completely painless and non-invasive procedure. Although you might feel a mild discomfort when the sticky patches are peeled off, similar to removing a bandage.
How is an ECG performed for females?
ECG for both males and females are performed in the same way. But when it comes to an ECG on females we make sure that it is done in the presence of female staff and the privacy and dignity of the female patient is completely taken care of.
Can I get a private ECG?
Yes, you do not need to have a GP referral for a private ECG. At My Private Clinic in Fulwood, Preston you can directly book an ECG test with us. Dr Faizal will carry out your ECG test and go through your results.
Your Next Step Towards a Healthy Heart
If you are looking for a Private ECG test near me or a Heart Health check UK then you should know that My Private Clinic offers you straight and uncomplicated ECG tests with Dr Faizal who will be able to explain the results.
You do not need a NHS GP referral, just Book a private ECG test at My Private Clinic with Dr Faizal and have all your doubts cleared.
Other Services We Offer
If you experience chest pain, severe breathlessness or collapse and need emergency care, call 999. A private ECG appointment is not the right option for you in these situations.
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Address
Fatima Health Centre
228 Garstang Road
Fulwood, Preston
PR2 9QB
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Opening Hours
Mon–Thu 5–8pm
Friday 9am–8pm
Saturday 9am–1pm
Areas We Serve Across Preston & Lancashire
My Private Clinic is based in Fulwood, Preston and sees patients from across Lancashire. Choose your nearest area for travel information and local details.