This paper presents the design and analysis of a recycling folded-cascode (RFC) OTA intended for any generic capacitive-feedback ECG amplifier. The gmID methodology is utilized for sizing the RFC OTA, to achieve the prime targets of ultra-low power consumption and low input referred noise. The improved RFC topology is used to achieve higher CMRR. A detailed noise analysis of the overall IA is also included. An account of the chief contributors to the IA’s overall noise and design techniques to minimize the same is incorporated. Implemented using UMC 0.18 μ m, the complete circuit consumes a power of 0.47 μ from a 1.8 V supply. The post-layout simulation results show that the designed circuit satisfies all essential specifications of an ECG acquisition system. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.