IG
logo
enEnglish
deGermanidIndonesianviVietnamese
enEnglish
deGermanidIndonesianviVietnamese

Call Us

+(65)‎ 6012‎ 9957
Make an Appointment contact us

ECG and Cardiac Diagnostics

Electrocardiograms (ECG) and cardiac diagnostic procedures are key tools in assessing heart function and detecting potential cardiac conditions. These tests evaluate the heart’s electrical activity, blood flow, muscle function, and structural integrity. Internists use these comprehensive evaluations to diagnose heart conditions, develop treatment plans, and monitor cardiac health over time, often as part of broader health management.

doctor img
Dr Adrian Mondry
Physician (FRG) | MD (HHU Düsseldorf) | MRCP (London) | IM Specialist (ÄKNo) | Hypertensiologist (DHL)
Indications Benefits Conditions Methods Preparation Results FAQ
Jump to section…
Indications
Benefits
Conditions
Methods
Preparation
Results
FAQ

Indications for ECG and Cardiac Diagnostics

Internists recommend ECG and cardiac diagnostic tests for patients with symptoms or conditions that could affect heart function, often as part of a holistic health evaluation.

  • Chest Pain

    Diagnostic tests help determine whether chest discomfort stems from coronary artery disease or other heart conditions.

  • Irregular Heartbeat

    Tests identify and characterise various arrhythmias affecting the heart’s rhythm and rate.

  • Shortness of Breath

    Cardiac diagnostics evaluate whether breathing difficulties are linked to underlying heart problems.

  • Pre-Operative Assessment

    Internists use these tests to evaluate cardiac function before surgery, helping minimise the risk of complications.

  • Medication Monitoring

    Regular testing helps assess how specific medications, such as anti-arrhythmic drugs, affect heart function.

Benefits of ECG and Cardiac Diagnostic Procedures

These diagnostic tools provide valuable insights to guide patient care and improve outcomes.

  • Early Detection

    Identifies cardiac problems at an early stage, enabling timely intervention and preventing complications.

  • Informed Treatment Decisions

    Provides necessary data that allow for personalised treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s specific condition.

  • Improved Monitoring

    Regular testing supports the ongoing assessment of heart health, helping to track disease progression or treatment response.

  • Risk Assessment

    Evaluates the likelihood of future cardiac events, empowering patients and providers to take preventive action.

Common Conditions Diagnosed Through Cardiac Tests

ECG and cardiac diagnostics assist in identifying a wide range of heart-related conditions, including:

  • Arrhythmias

    Irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or other abnormalities affecting the heart’s electrical activity.

  • Coronary Artery Disease

    Narrowing or blockages in coronary arteries that reduce blood flow to the heart, leading to chest pain (angina) or heart attacks.

  • Heart Failure

    A condition where the heart’s pumping efficiency is impaired, often resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or fluid retention.

  • Valvular Heart Diseases

    Malfunctioning heart valves that disrupt normal blood flow, potentially causing murmurs, shortness of breath, or heart enlargement.

  • Cardiomyopathies

    Structural or functional abnormalities of the heart muscle, which may lead to heart failure, arrhythmias, or other complications.

Cardiac Diagnostic Methods

Standard ECG

A quick, non-invasive test that records the heart’s electrical activity via electrodes placed on the skin. It provides immediate information about heart rhythm, rate, and signs of previous heart attacks. Results are displayed as waveforms on a monitor or printout.

Holter Monitor

A portable device worn for 24–48 hours that continuously records heart activity during normal daily activities. It is useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not appear during a standard ECG. Patients log activities and symptoms for correlation with the data.

Stress Test

Combines ECG monitoring with exercise or medication that mimics physical exertion. Patients walk on a treadmill or cycle while connected to ECG equipment, helping to identify coronary artery disease and assess heart function under stress.

Echocardiogram

Utilises ultrasound to create moving images of the heart, revealing chamber size, wall thickness, valve function, and blood flow patterns. In certain cases, a transoesophageal echocardiogram may be performed for clearer imaging of heart structures.

Experiencing Irregular Heartbeats or Chest Discomfort?

Consult our accredited specialist for advanced ECG and cardiac diagnostics today.

Make an Enquiry

Preparation for Cardiac Diagnostics

Medical History Documentation

Provide a detailed history of symptoms, past medical conditions, family cardiac history, and current medications. This helps determine the most appropriate tests.

Medication Adjustments

Some medications, such as beta-blockers, may need to be paused before testing. Follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Dietary Guidelines

Certain tests, like stress ECGs or echocardiograms, may require fasting or avoiding caffeine for a few hours beforehand. Fasting requirements vary depending on the test.

Results Review and Follow-Up

Basic findings may be available immediately, particularly for standard ECGs. However, more detailed analysis of stress tests, Holter monitoring, or echocardiograms usually requires 24–48 hours. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled within a few days to review results, discuss findings, and plan any necessary treatments or preventive strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does an abnormal ECG indicate?

An abnormal ECG may suggest heart rhythm disturbances, evidence of a previous heart attack, electrolyte imbalances, or other underlying heart conditions. Additional tests may be needed to determine the exact cause.

How frequently should cardiac diagnostic tests be performed?

The frequency of cardiac testing depends on your health status and risk factors. Individuals with chronic heart conditions may need regular monitoring, while others might only require testing if new symptoms develop.

Can an ECG detect a heart attack before it happens?

An ECG cannot predict a future heart attack but can identify warning signs such as reduced blood flow to the heart, irregular rhythms, or changes indicating a previous heart attack.

image

Dr Adrian Mondry

Physician (FRG)|MD (HHU Düsseldorf)|Specialist for Internal Medicine (ÄKNo)|Hypertensiologist (DHL)|MRCP (London)

Dr. Mondry has over 30 years of experience as an internal medicine & hypertension specialist.

  • Previously a Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he is currently a visiting consultant.

  • Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League (DHL)

  • Contributed to the latest Singapore ACE Clinical Guidance on “Hypertension – Tailoring the Management Plan to Optimise Blood Pressure Control” as a committee member.

Read Full Bio

Make an Enquiry

Got a Question? Fill up the form and we will get back to you shortly.

    For faster enquiry, call us!(65)‎ 6012‎ 9957

    our Clinic location

    Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Specialist Centre

    38 Irrawaddy Road, #11-57 Singapore 329563

    Monday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
    Tuesday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
    Wed to Fri: 9:30am – 5:30pm
    Sat to Sunday & PH: Appointment Only
    +65‎ 6012‎ 9957
    +65 9799 1157