Superdrug Health

What is an ECG?

Your heart is an incredibly powerful and complex muscle that works constantly because, unlike other types of muscle, the cardiac muscle never gets tired. It has an efficient electrical circuit that synchronises the beats of the atria and ventricles – the chambers of the heart- so that they pump blood effectively around the body. It is possible to measure the heart’s action through the skin by recording the electrical signals generated by the nerves that control the heart beat. The pattern of these nerve impulses is known as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and gives a great deal of information about how your heart is working.

If the muscle contraction of the heart is irregular, or is faster or slower than normal, the condition is known as Cardiac Arrhythmia Some arrhyhmia are life threatening medical emergencies, others cause irritating symptoms such as an awareness of a heart beat or palpitation.

What can I expect from a Superdrug ECG Test?

We work in conjunction with a company called Medick who in turn operates in association with a panel of specialist cardiologists who have been involved in the development of the Medick Personal Heart Reporting Service from the very beginning. (For further information visit www.medick.com)

When you make an appointment to see our trained Health Promotion Nurse you will be supplied with a MHM 100 heart monitor, which is a high-quality, precision instrument capable of monitoring your heart on a beat by beat basis in order to detect any irregularities.

The machine records your heart rhythm via three colour coded electrodes attached to your chest. These electrodes attach to the machine which can be worn on your waistband /belt or your pocket while you go about your daily routine. The nurse will explain how to attach this and give full operational details.

You need to keep the machine attached for approximately 8 hours in order to register a significant report. The machine needs to be returned to the Superdrug Health Promotion Clinic the next day when the nurse will upload the report onto a secure website. The information is then sent off for interpretation by a cardiology centre. The expert ECG analysis is available within 24 hours.

• Green Report – No significant irregularities have been detected
• Amber Report – The screening has detected some irregularities within your heart rhythm - you should make an appointment to see your doctor within the next few days
• Red Report – Screening has detected some irregularities within your heart rhythm that may require treatment – you should make an appointment to see your GP as a matter of urgency.

Again your nurse will help you understand these reports and offer advice regarding next steps.

Who should consider having an ECG

Those who:

• have a family history of heart attacks or strokes or are being treated for a heart condition
• have any conditions that put you at risk for heart problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• have already had a heart attack
• regularly experience symptoms suggestive of poor heart function e.g. dizziness, palpitation, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, weakness or excessive sweating*

*Please note that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should first discuss them with your GP

Even if you do not fit into any of these categories, the Personal Heart Reporting Service allows you to get on with your life, secure in the knowledge that any potentially serious problems may be reported enabling you to take appropriate action.

Is there an age limit or any other circumstances when it is not recommended to use the device?

The MHM 100 is not intended for use in anyone who fits in the following categories

• Under 16
• People with pacemakers
• Woman in late pregnancy

How much does it cost?

£50 - This includes the loan of the MHM 100 for 24 hrs and the resulting report.

If used in conjunction with a "Silver" Healthy Heart Screening* the cost is £60 - a saving of £15
* See Healthy Heart Web Page

Click here to find and get directions to Superdrug Pharmacies offering this service