Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

Original poster

ECG - general info needed

16 replies

NancyPickford · 19/01/2023 11:00

I'm booked in for an ECG next week. If anyone has had one, can they tell me what to expect in terms of what to wear, and what do you have to take off for the test? Do you have to take your bra off? It's being done at the GP surgery by the female Nurse Practitioner, but I don't want surprise nudity sprung on me - I'd like to be prepared. Thanks.

OP posts:

sleepyfelines · 19/01/2023 11:33

Loose fitting top would be best so they can reach down/under it. Should be able to leave your bra on but don't wear a particularly tight one!

There'll be six stickers across your chest and one each on both wrists and ankles.

sleepyfelines · 19/01/2023 11:34

Should've said- I've had an ECG many years ago but am an ITU doctor so much more involved on that side!

LovelaceBiggWither · 19/01/2023 11:34

I had to take my bra and top off and wear a loose hospital gown. There was some nudity as they had to move the top to the side to scan at times.

IreneJones · 19/01/2023 11:37

Hospital, bra and top off, given hospital gown.

GP - bra and top off. Not given anything to cover myself with 😔

greenacrylicpaint · 19/01/2023 11:40

I had to take top & bra off. however a hospital gown was provided for privacy.
the stickers are applied both on the front and back.

good luck

Greybeardy · 19/01/2023 12:05

Depends a bit on your anatomy and whether you want a useful ECG or not. The stickers are supposed to go in specific positions and the quality of info is less useful of they’re not in the right place. If you have a pretty flat chest it may be possible to get them in the right place whilst keeping a bra on. If you have biggger breasts/are overweight it will be more difficult with a bra on. Takes a few secs ususally to do the ecg once the stickers are on. Some sort of gown/sheet would normally be offered to preserve modesty/prevent freezing to death!

Original poster

NancyPickford · 19/01/2023 12:37

Thank for the replies. I am very busty indeed, and being without a bra in front of anyone is not something I am happy about. I know she will have seen plenty of bosoms before, but it's the thought of sitting/lying there with my breasts hanging out that makes me miserable. It's a small GP practice in a tiny village, so it's not even as if I'm going to be anonymous! Oh well. Worse things to worry about. I'll wear clothes that are easy to get on and off without faffing.

OP posts:

purpledalmation · 19/01/2023 14:40

Wear a soft stretch bra and they can leave it on. They may prefer bare chest though

Xrays · 19/01/2023 14:50

I’ve had hundreds - well not hundreds but tons, I’ve got multiple health issues. If you’re worried about being exposed get a basic crop top type bra from primark. I’m a 34GG and just wear one of those. Sometimes they ask you to hoist a boob up to put a little sticky pad under it - or maybe my boobs are just floppier than most 😆😳 It’s honestly fine. There are 10 sticky pads and they put two on your ankles and the rest dotted around your body and then stick the wires onto them and away you go. The machine does its thing, you don’t feel anything and it gives you a print out. And then you’re left trying to remove all the sticky fuckers (pads) so you can get dressed and get out. Easy 👍

Xrays · 19/01/2023 14:51

(I’ve had ones at my Gp and at the hospital and never been asked to remove my bra / crop top, just my outer top and I kept my trousers etc on).

Original poster

NancyPickford · 19/01/2023 14:57

Thanks Xrays - I've got a soft sleep bra I could wear, it's absolutely no use at being supportive but might well preserve my modesty!

OP posts:

greenacrylicpaint · 19/01/2023 15:20

the better the stickers are placed the more acurate is the reading (which then goes off to a cardiologist to read)

sashh · 19/01/2023 15:31

I used to record ecgs for living. You need to be naked from the waist up to get a meaning full recording. But once the electrodes are in place a scarf or cloth can be put over for recording. My favourite clothing for my patients to wear was a sari. Take a light scarf with you.

Original poster

NancyPickford · 25/01/2023 11:13

Update. Just come home from procedure. I wore an unwired 'sleep' bra under a vest and I just had to hold it up while the pads were applied under my breast. The upper pads went in the neckline of the vest. No nudity involved. Phew!

OP posts:

Sherwil16 · 26/01/2023 07:37

Something that I found out - too late - was that it is best to avoid putting body lotion/ cream on, as it prevents stickers sticking.

sashh · 26/01/2023 09:30

Sherwil16 · 26/01/2023 07:37

Something that I found out - too late - was that it is best to avoid putting body lotion/ cream on, as it prevents stickers sticking.

That brings back memories.

For some reason the patients on the dermatology ward would be sent for an ECG, just after their treatment, the stickers just rolled up and rolled off.

@NancyPickford

Glad you are relieved but that is not the correct way to record an accurate ECG so if you go for another you may have to undress.

Flip