About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Introduction to Basic EKG
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart over time. It helps diagnose heart conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues.
How Does an EKG Work?
The heart generates electrical impulses that cause it to contract and pump blood. Electrodes placed on the skin detect these impulses and display them as waves on an EKG paper or monitor.
Understanding the EKG Waves
An EKG consists of several important waves and segments:
- P wave : Represents atrial contraction.
- QRS complex : Represents ventricular contraction (depolarization).
- T wave : Represents ventricular recovery (repolarization).
How to Read a Basic EKG?
- Determine the heart rate : Count the number of large squares between two consecutive R-waves and use the formula (300/number of squares).
- Analyze the rhythm : Check whether the rhythm is regular or irregular by assessing R-R intervals.
- Examine the P waves : Verify if each P wave is followed by a QRS complex.
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Measure intervals
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- PR interval (normal: 120-200 ms)
- QRS duration (normal: ≤120 ms)
- QT interval (varies with heart rate)
Common EKG Abnormalities
- Bradycardia : Slow heart rate (<60 bpm)
- Tachycardia : Fast heart rate (>100 bpm)
- Atrial fibrillation : Irregular rhythm with no distinct P waves
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack) : ST-segment changes, pathological Q waves
Conclusion
EKG is a fundamental tool in cardiology that helps identify heart problems early. Understanding its basics can improve awareness of cardiac health.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Electrocardiography
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191095
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191098
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10483977/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for EKG Interpretation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Neonatal-Electrocardiogram-Guidelines-for-the-interpretation-of-the
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12269267/
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.01.015
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article-abstract/39/16/1466/2965923
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191098
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.