Electro Cardiogram (ECG)
An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a commonly used, non-invasive procedure for recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Electrocardiography is the starting point for detecting many cardiac problems (chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, etc.). It is used routinely in physical examinations and for monitoring the patient’s condition during and after surgery, as well as during intensive care. It is the basic measurement used for tests such as exercise tolerance.
At Chemist Corner, we own the most well-known technology for conducting an ECG ? the Cardioart ECG twelve channel ECG machines, which allow simultaneous acquisition of all the twelve leads for a reliable analysis.
The ECG works mostly by detecting and amplifying the tiny electrical changes on the skin that are caused when the heart muscle “depolarises” during each heart beat.
FAQs
The patient is required to change into a hospital gown. Electrodes (tiny wires in adhesive pads) are applied to specific sites on the arms, legs, and chest. When attached, these electrodes are called leads; three to 12 leads may be employed for the procedure.
Before the leads are attached, the skin is cleaned to obtain good electrical contact at the electrode positions and, occasionally, shaving the chest may be necessary.
The leads are attached to the ECG machine which then records and interprets the electrical activity of the heart.
To avoid skin irritation from the salty gel used to obtain good electrical contact, the skin should be thoroughly cleaned after removal of the electrodes.
The EKG is a non-invasive procedure that is virtually risk-free for the patient.
The ECG is used:
- To record the order of spread of the electrical impulse over the heart and associated changes.
- For recording the order in which successive heart beats appear (heart rhythm).
- To provide information on the status of the heart muscle (such as increase in mass in patients with high blood pressure), any damage caused to the heart muscle (as in a heart attack), or the status of heart valves indirectly from the effect seen on heart muscle.
- It can suggest whether a part of the heart muscle is not getting enough blood.
- To indicate possible chemical imbalances in the body.
- It is very useful in diagnosis of abnormal heart beats and rhythms.
It is very important for you to keep a diary of symptoms. The diary should include the date, time of day, type, and duration of symptoms.
