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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.
Different Types of ECG
Introduction
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It is used to detect heart diseases, arrhythmias, and other cardiovascular conditions.
1. Standard 12-Lead ECG
This is the most common type of ECG, providing a detailed assessment of the heart's electrical activity from 12 different angles. It is used for diagnosing myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and other cardiac conditions.
2. Holter Monitor ECG
A portable device that continuously records the heart's electrical activity for 24-48 hours or longer. It is useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias that may not appear during a short, standard ECG.
3. Event Monitor ECG
Similar to a Holter monitor, but the device is activated by the patient when symptoms appear. It is used to diagnose infrequent arrhythmias.
4. Stress ECG (Exercise ECG)
Records the electrical activity of the heart while the patient performs physical exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. It helps detect coronary artery disease and assess heart function under stress.
5. Signal-Averaged ECG (SAECG)
A specialized form of ECG that amplifies low-amplitude signals to detect ventricular arrhythmias, which could lead to sudden cardiac death.
6. Intracardiac ECG (Electrophysiology Study – EPS)
This type of ECG is performed by placing catheters inside the heart to directly record electrical signals. It is used in advanced arrhythmia diagnostics and treatment planning.
Conclusion
Different types of ECG tests serve various diagnostic purposes, from routine screenings to advanced arrhythmia detection and coronary disease assessment. The choice of ECG depends on the suspected condition and the required diagnostic accuracy.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on ECG Analysis
- 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://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/acls-prep-ecg-pharmacology
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191098
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on the Interpretation of the ECG
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12269267/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Neonatal-Electrocardiogram-Guidelines-for-the-interpretation-of-the
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.01.015
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23564906/
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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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.