Electrocardiogram (ECG)

  • Proficient in administering and analyzing ECG tests to accurately assess heart function and diagnose cardiac conditions effectively

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive medical test used to record the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It involves placing electrodes on the skin, which detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart as it beat

What is the use?

  • Diagnosis of Heart Conditions: ECGs are commonly used to diagnose various heart conditions, including arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), myocardial infarction (heart attack), atrial fibrillation, and heart valve disorders. The test provides valuable information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and conduction system.
  • Assessment of Heart Health: ECGs help healthcare providers assess overall heart health and function. Changes in the ECG pattern, such as ST-segment elevation or depression, can indicate myocardial ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart muscle) and provide insights into the severity of coronary artery disease.
  • Monitoring Treatment Response: ECGs are used to monitor the response to treatment in patients with heart conditions. Serial ECGs may be performed to track changes in the heart's electrical activity over time and evaluate the effectiveness of medications, interventions, or lifestyle modifications.
  • Preoperative Evaluation: ECGs are routinely performed as part of preoperative evaluations to assess cardiac function and identify any underlying heart abnormalities that may pose risks during surgery. This helps ensure patient safety and optimize perioperative management.
  • Screening for Cardiac Abnormalities: ECGs may be used as a screening tool in asymptomatic individuals with risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. Early detection of cardiac abnormalities through routine ECG screening can facilitate timely intervention and preventive measures.

How does it work?

During an ECG, small electrodes are placed on the skin of the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart and transmit them to a machine, which records the electrical activity as a series of waves on graph paper or a computer screen. The waves represent different phases of the cardiac cycle, including depolarization and repolarization of the heart chambers. The resulting ECG tracing provides information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and conduction pathways, which can be analyzed by a healthcare provider to make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. ECGs are quick, painless, and non-invasive, making them a valuable tool in the evaluation of cardiac function.