Heart diagnostics · Riga, Purvciems

ECG in Riga — electrocardiography

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It helps the doctor assess heart rhythm, heart rate and conduction.

  • No referral needed
  • 5–10 minutes
Man with ECG electrodes on his chest during an ECG, heart diagram and ECG trace on a monitor

What the doctor assesses

What an ECG shows

An ECG records the electrical signals that make the heart contract. From this recording the doctor assesses several aspects of how the heart works.

  • Icon: heart rhythm and rate

    Rhythm and rate

    The doctor sees how regularly and how fast the heart beats, and whether there are marked irregularities.

  • Icon: heart conduction

    Conduction

    How the electrical impulse travels through the heart. The recording can reveal conduction blocks.

  • Icon: signs of ischaemia

    Signs of ischaemia

    Some changes on the recording may point to an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle.

  • Icon: heart chambers

    Enlarged chambers

    Indirect signs of thickened heart walls (hypertrophy) or enlarged heart chambers.

  • Icon: the heart's natural pacemaker

    The heart's pacemaker

    How the node that sets the heart's rhythm is working, and whether its function is disturbed.

  • Icon: effects of a heart attack

    Effects of a heart attack

    Changes that may remain after a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction).

Good to know. An ECG records the heart's activity over a short period. Rhythm disturbances that occur only occasionally may not appear on it — in such cases the doctor may suggest Holter monitoring. An ECG does not show the structure of the heart or the condition of its valves: that is what echocardiography is for. The doctor decides which test you need.

Indications

When a doctor may recommend an ECG

An ECG is one of the most common basic heart tests. Whether you need one in your situation is decided by the doctor, based on indications.

  • Skipped beats and “pauses” in the heartbeatA feeling of an uneven rhythm, pauses or a pounding heartbeat.
  • Dizziness and weaknessEpisodes of weakness or dizziness that need a doctor's assessment.
  • Blood pressure and chest painRaised blood pressure or chest pain is a reason to check how the heart is working.
  • Shortness of breath and tiring easilyIf you have started to tire more quickly or have become short of breath.
  • Taking heart medicationThe doctor may request an ECG to monitor your treatment.
  • Preparing for surgery and preventive check-upsAn ECG is often part of pre-operative assessment and preventive check-ups.
  • How often to have an ECGThere is no single schedule that suits everyone: whether a repeat test is needed, and when, is decided by the doctor based on indications.

Sudden severe chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or loss of consciousness are not reasons for a routine appointment. In such cases, call the emergency medical service straight away on 113 (or 112).

Who performs the examination

Doctors who perform ECGs

ECGs at Grand Medical are performed by the clinic’s cardiologists. If you are not sure which doctor to see, our reception will help you choose a doctor and a convenient time.

Elena Shafro, cardiologist at Grand Medical

Elena Shafro

Certified cardiologist

Galina Blumentale, cardiologist at Grand Medical

Galina Blumentale

Cardiologist

Irina Mitkevich, cardiologist at Grand Medical

Irina Mitkevich

Certified cardiologist

Polina Andersone, cardiologist at Grand Medical

Polina Andersone

Certified cardiologist

Step by step

How the appointment goes

A standard resting ECG takes 5–10 minutes, including attaching the electrodes. Here is what the visit looks like, from booking to the report.

  1. Booking

    Online, by phone or on WhatsApp. No referral is needed. Reception will answer organisational questions.

  2. Getting ready for the recording

    You uncover your chest, wrists and lower legs and lie down on the couch.

  3. Examination

    The doctor carefully attaches 12 electrodes to the chest, wrists and lower legs. You lie still while the machine records the electrical impulses of the heart.

  4. Report

    The cardiologist's report is included in the price of the examination. It will be ready within a couple of days.

What the patient feels. The examination is painless: no injections and no anaesthesia. You may feel light pressure from the electrodes and the coolness of the gel. During the recording it is important to lie still and breathe evenly. You can return to your usual activities straight after.

Quick guide

Preparing for an ECG

No special preparation is needed. A few simple steps will help the examination go smoothly.

Before the examination

  • Wear comfortable clothing that gives easy access to your chest, wrists and lower legs.
  • If possible, avoid strenuous activity immediately before the examination.
  • Ask about individual questions (for example, about medicines on the day of the examination) when you book.

What to bring

  • Previous ECGs, if you have them, for comparison.
  • Reports from other doctors and hospital discharge summaries.
  • A list of the medicines you take, with doses.

After the examination

Results and next steps

  • The report is included in the price

    After the examination the cardiologist prepares a report. It will be ready within a couple of days.

  • ECG is part of Check-up programmes

    An ECG can be done on its own or as part of a comprehensive check-up. More about the Check-up programmes.

  • The result is assessed as a whole

    ECG findings are considered together with your symptoms, the examination and other tests. A normal ECG does not rule out every possible heart problem — sometimes additional tests are needed.

  • The report and a consultation are different services

    The ECG report describes the results of the examination. If you need a review of your overall situation and treatment recommendations, book a cardiologist consultation — this is a separate service.

Diagnostic methods

ECG, echo and Holter: what is the difference

These tests answer different questions and often complement each other. You do not need to have all three “just in case”: the doctor chooses the method for the specific question.

  • This page

    Electrocardiography (ECG)

    What it examines
    The heart's electrical activity and rhythm during the recording.
    Helps answer
    How the heart contracts in terms of rhythm and conduction at the time of the test.
  • Echo

    Echo (heart ultrasound)

    What it examines
    An image of the heart: chambers, walls, valves and blood flow.
    Helps answer
    How the heart is built and how well it pumps blood.
  • Holter

    Holter monitoring

    What it examines
    A continuous ECG recording while you go about your usual activities.
    Helps answer
    Whether there are rhythm disturbances that do not appear on a short ECG recording.

Price

Price and insurance

Electrocardiography (ECG)

30 €

The examination and the cardiologist's report. Booking without a referral.

Additional services — for example, a cardiologist consultation or other examinations — are agreed and paid for separately.

Health insurance

  • Страховая компания Balta / Apdrošināšanas sabiedrība Balta — партнёр Grand Medical
  • Страховая компания Seesam / Apdrošināšanas sabiedrība Seesam — партнёр Grand Medical
  • Страховая компания BTA / Apdrošināšanas sabiedrība BTA — партнёр Grand Medical

The clinic works with the insurance companies Balta, Seesam and BTA. Coverage depends on the terms of your policy — check with your insurer before your visit or ask reception when booking.

Grand Medical is entered in the register of medical institutions under number 001000286.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity: rhythm and conduction. A heart ultrasound (echocardiography) shows its structure, valves and blood flow. These are different methods, and the doctor chooses between them for your situation.

No, you can book an ECG without a referral. If you have one, bring it with you.

Usually 5–10 minutes, including attaching the electrodes.

No. The examination is painless: you lie on the couch and the electrodes only record the heart’s signals.

No. Wear comfortable clothing that gives access to your chest, wrists and lower legs and, if possible, avoid strenuous activity immediately before the examination. Ask about individual questions when you book.

Within a couple of days.

Yes. The €30 price includes the examination and the cardiologist’s report.

The clinic works with Balta, Seesam and BTA. Coverage depends on your policy — check with your insurer or ask reception when booking.

No. A cardiologist consultation with a review of your situation and treatment recommendations is a separate service. If you would like to combine it with an ECG, tell us when you book.

There is no single schedule: the doctor determines the frequency based on indications and your situation.

Booking

Book an ECG

Choose a convenient way: a booking portal, phone, WhatsApp or a request on the website — reception will contact you and help find a time.

Book online

Can't find a suitable time, or are all slots taken? Contact us — we'll help you book an appointment.

Booking request

Leave your contact details — reception will contact you during working hours and confirm the visit. A request is not yet a booking for a specific time.

By submitting the request, you agree to the personal data processing policy.

Galvas un kakla asinsvadu doplerogrāfija (DUPLEX)

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