Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is a test designed to measure the electrical activity of the heart to assess heart function and detect certain issues, such as arrhythmias. In this article, we’ll discuss the key information related to this test.
Reasons for Performing an ECG
Doctors may recommend an ECG for several reasons, and here are some of them:
Health Tips & Info
Doctors may recommend an ECG for several reasons, and here are some of them:
- Diagnosing the cause of symptoms that may indicate a heart problem, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
- Assessing the overall heart health before undergoing surgery or after heart surgery or catheterization.
- Diagnosing various heart conditions, such as heart attack, arrhythmia, heart failure, or reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to coronary artery narrowing.
- Evaluating the performance of a pacemaker or the effectiveness of medications used to treat a heart condition.
Types of Electrocardiogram
There are different types of ECG devices used to monitor heart activity and diagnose certain conditions.
Sometimes heart problems are intermittent, meaning they come and go. In these cases, it’s necessary to monitor the heart’s electrical activity for a longer period or with specialized devices. Here are some common types of ECG:
- Resting and Stress ECG: This test can be performed while lying down and resting or during physical activity, such as walking on a treadmill or using a stationary bike.
- Holter Monitor: This device is worn by the patient for 24 to 48 hours or more, continuously recording the heart’s electrical activity throughout that time.
- Event Monitor: Similar to a Holter monitor, this device is worn for a week or longer and records the heart’s electrical activity only when symptoms occur, either automatically or by the patient pressing a button when they feel symptoms.
Preparing for an ECG
Here are some guidelines to follow before the test:
- Avoid using thick creams or oils on the day of the test, as they may interfere with the electrodes sticking to the chest, arms, or hands.
- Shave any body hair in the areas where the electrodes will be placed on the chest, arms, or hands.
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing, as the upper part of the body will need to be uncovered to attach the electrodes to the chest.
- Avoid physical exertion before the test
During the ECG Test
Around 12 electrodes are placed on the chest and sometimes on the arms or legs. For a resting ECG, the patient lies flat, relaxes, and avoids talking during the test. During the test, a computer generates a graph of the electrical impulses passing through the heart on paper.
ECG Results
Once the results are available, they may indicate the following:
- Normal ECG: If the ECG results are normal, your doctor will likely inform you of this on the same day of your visit or during a follow-up appointment.
- Abnormal ECG: If an abnormal heart condition is detected, such as an irregular heartbeat or heart defects like an enlarged heart or reduced blood flow, your doctor will discuss a treatment plan for the condition revealed by the results. This plan may include medications, lifestyle changes, or other procedures recommended by the doctor.
In conclusion, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a fundamental test for assessing heart health and diagnosing many heart disorders.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16953-electrocardiogram-ekg https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983 https://www.healthline.com/health/electrocardiogram https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electrocardiogram