ECG

About ECG

The electrical signals in your heart are recorded by an electrocardiogram. It’s a simple and painless test for detecting cardiac problems and keeping track of your heart’s health.

Electrocardiograms (ECGs or EKGs) are commonly performed in a clinic or hospital room. In operating rooms and ambulances, ECG machines are commonplace. ECG monitoring is available on some personal gadgets, such as smartwatches.

An ECG is a non-invasive, painless test that can be used to diagnose a variety of common heart disorders in people of all ages. An ECG may be used by your doctor to determine or detect:

When is ECG needed?

If you have any of the following signs and symptoms, you may need an ECG:

• Pain in the chest
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or bewilderment are all symptoms of dizziness
• Palpitations in the heart
• Quick heartbeat
• Breathing problems
• Weakness, tiredness or a decrease in exercise capacity
• Electrocardiograms are not recommended for persons at low risk who do not have symptoms, according to the American Heart Association
• Even if you have no symptoms, your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram as a screening test if you have a family history of heart disease

How is ECG performed?

Your symptoms may not be detected with a conventional ECG recording if they come and go. Your doctor may suggest remote or continuous ECG monitoring in this scenario.

A Holter monitor is a device that records heartbeats. A Holter monitor is a tiny, wearable device that captures an ECG during a 24- to 48-hour period.

Monitor the progress of events. This portable gadget is comparable to a Holter monitor, except it only records for a few minutes at a time at specific times. It can be worn for up to 30 days, which is longer than a Holter monitor. When you have symptoms, you usually press a button. When an irregular rhythm is identified, certain devices start recording automatically.

Risks

An ECG is a procedure that is entirely safe. Because the electrodes used do not produce electricity, there is no risk of electrical shock during the test. The electrodes merely record your heart’s electrical activity.

When the electrodes are removed, you may experience minor discomfort akin to removing a bandage. Some patients get a little rash where the patches have been applied.

How do you get ready?

A typical ECG requires no extra preparation. Any medications or supplements you’re taking should be disclosed to your doctor. These can have a significant impact on the outcome of your exam.

Points to be Anticipated

An ECG can be performed by a nurse or technician in a doctor’s office or a hospital.

Before

It’s possible that you’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown. The technician may shave the hair on the portions of your body where the electrodes will be placed so that the patches stick.

You’ll be asked to lie down on an examining table or a bed once you’re ready.

During

Up to 12 sensors (electrodes) will be connected to your chest and limbs during an ECG. Electrodes are adhesive patches that connect to a monitor through cables. They keep track of the electrical impulses that cause your heart to beat. The data is stored in a computer and displayed as waves on a monitor or paper.

During the exam, you can breathe normally, but you must remain completely still. Make sure you’re warm and comfortable before lying down. Moving, talking or shivering can cause the test results to be skewed. An ECG takes a few minutes to complete.

After

After your ECG, you can resume your normal activities.

Results

Your doctor may share your ECG results with you the same day or at your next appointment.

You may not require any additional testing if your ECG is normal. The treatment you receive is determined by the cause of your signs and symptoms.

Your doctor will go over the data from the ECG equipment to see if there are any issues with your heart, such as:

The rate of your heart: Normally, your pulse may be used to determine your heart rate. If your pulse is difficult to feel or if it is too fast or irregular to count precisely, an ECG may be useful. An ECG can assist your doctor in detecting a high heart rate (tachycardia) or a sluggish heart rate (bradycardia).

The beat of the heart: An ECG might reveal irregular cardiac rhythms (arrhythmias). When any element of the heart’s electrical system fails, many diseases can develop. Arrhythmias can also be triggered by pharmaceuticals such as beta-blockers, cocaine, amphetamines and over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.

A heart attack has occurred. An ECG can reveal signs of a previous heart attack or a current one. The patterns on your ECG may reveal which section of your heart has been injured and how severe it is.

The heart isn’t getting enough blood and oxygen. An ECG taken while experiencing symptoms can help your doctor establish if your chest pain is caused by a reduction in blood supply to the heart muscle, as in the case of unstable angina chest pain.

Anomalies in the structure: An ECG can reveal information regarding heart chamber or wall enlargement, heart abnormalities and other cardiac disorders.

If your ECG reveals any irregularities, your doctor may prescribe additional tests to determine whether treatment is required.

Conclusion

ECG is used to detect heart problems. It is a safe procedure that tracks electrical heart signals. It is usually recommended for patients who are suspected of having heart diseases. It reveals information regarding any abnormalities in the heart or heartbeat.