Human heart is a muscular organ which beats when it is electrically stimulated. The electrical impulses are normally conducted via the SA or Sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular or the AV node. In simple terms the oxygenated blood is distributed from the heart to the body whereas the deoxygenated or blood with waste products is sent to the lungs for its oxygenation and this whole process continues in a cyclic fashion. The heart is made up of four chambers, the upper chambers are called the Atria and the lower are called as the Ventricles. The upper and lower chambers are separated by muscular valves, namely the bicuspid and the tricuspid valve. These valves prevent the backflow of blood from the ventricle to the atrium. An electrocardiogram or an ECG/EKG is a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart and is one of the primary tests which is performed when detecting a heart ailment.
When an electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed ?
An ECG or an electrocardiogram is performed usually in patients who are experiencing some kind of chest discomfort or have any heart implants like pacemakers. The below mentioned are the instances when an ECG is primarily performed.
- To monitor the activity of the heart
- As a diagnostic tool in diagnosing chest pain
- To monitor the effectiveness of drugs in heart patients
- To check the status of the heart muscle
- To check the functioning of the chambers of the heart
- To monitor the activity of pacemakers or any other implant devices which are placed in the heart
When an electrocardiogram (ECG) is not performed ?
An ECG usually does not have an absolute contraindication but is usually not performed in individuals who are perfectly healthy and don’t even have a history of any heart disease.
Does an electrocardiogram (ECG) procedure carry any risks ?
No, ECG is a fairly safe procedure and the name says an electrocardiogram, but no electricity is actually passed through the body.
What are the types of electrocardiogram (ECG) ?
In a normal or a resting ECG about 12-15 leads are attached to your arms, chest and legs and you are made to lie down in supine position. The test takes about five to fifteen minutes and the results can be interpreted by a cardiologist. If you have a chronic issue with your heart and have symptoms your doctor might also ask you to get a holter monitoring done or an ambulatory ECG where your heart rhythms are recorded for a 24hour period, an event recorder to record your symptoms with your heart rhythms and a stress test where you will be asked to get an ECG done while walking on a treadmill or cycling on a stationary cycle. The type of ECG most suitable for you can be suggested by your treating doctor.
How do you prepare for an electrocardiogram (ECG) ?
You don’t really need to prepare for an ECG procedure. An ECG is usually advised as part of the routine examination or in case of any emergencies when you are expecting chest pain and other symptoms which could be associated with heart disease. The ECG is performed by a trained technician or a cardiologist. You will be asked to not eat and drink before the procedure as it may interfere with the test. You will be asked to wear loose hospital clothing and will have to remove any jewelry if you are wearing. In men sometimes the chest is shaved before the procedure for appropriate results.
Is an anesthesia administered before an electrocardiogram (ECG) ?
No ECG is a painless noninvasive test or procedure and anesthesia administration is not required.
How is an electrocardiogram (ECG) performed ?
Once your doctor has advised you to get an ECG done, you will be made to lie on a table on your back. Electrodes or electrical leads are placed on your chest, arms and leg on predetermined areas where electrical impulses from the heart can be easily monitored. With the modern day machines these electrodes are connected to the ECG machine which captures the electrical impulses reading and converts them into a graphical representation. The ECG paper is a specially made paper with some large and small squares, so that in a minute about 300 large squares and 1500 small squares are covered. The interpretation of the ECG is mentioned later.
What does an electrocardiogram (ECG) consist of ?
An ECG is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart and is represented in the form of waves namely P, Q, R, S, T and U. In the simplest terms the P wave signifies the atrial activity, the QRS complex the ventricular depolarization followed by the T and U waves which denote the repolarization of the ventricles. The PR interval is the time taken for the impulse to go from SA node to the ventricles and the QT interval is time for ventricular events like depolarization and repolarization.
What all can be interpreted by an electrocardiogram (ECG) ?
An ECG is used to interpret the heart rate, heart rhythm, voltage, the position of the waves, the waves themselves, PR interval, QRS complex and the ST segment.
Who interprets an electrocardiogram (ECG) ?
An ECG is interpreted or elaborated by a cardiologist or even a physician to diagnose any abnormality.
What could affect the electrocardiogram (ECG) test ?
The test will not be accurate if the electrodes are not firmly attached to the skin, if you do not remain still during the test, during anxiety or after exercising. Some heart diseases or conditions which can affect the test are Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, sick sinus syndrome, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia. It is advised to ask your doctor about conditions or medications which can affect your ECG report.
What an abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) is suggestive of ?
An abnormal pattern in the ECG report could be suggestive of damage to the heart muscles, angina, heart attack (myocardial infarction), congenital heart disease, arrhythmias, fluid retention around heart and electrolyte imbalance in the heart. You can ask your treating doctor about the conditions and symptoms where a ECG is abnormal.
An ECG or an EKG is a diagnostic test which primarily monitors and identifies the electrical activity of your heart. This is a just a diagnostic test and does not confirm any heart disease but is used to give the initial hint I a cardiac ailment is suspected. It is a noninvasive painless procedure which takes about fifteen minutes and is the most commonly used primary test by physicians and cardiologists when questioning a possibility of heart disease.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
