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.
Understanding ECG and EEG
Introduction
ECG (Electrocardiogram) and EEG (Electroencephalogram) are two distinct diagnostic tools used to monitor electrical activity in the body. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes.
What is an ECG?
ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to diagnose and monitor various heart conditions such as arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and electrolyte imbalances.
Key Points About ECG:
- It measures heart rhythm and electrical conduction.
- Used to detect heart attacks, arrhythmias, and other cardiac diseases.
- Electrodes are placed on the chest and limbs to record heart activity.
What is an EEG?
EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain. It is primarily used in neurology to diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain dysfunction.
Key Points About EEG:
- It examines brain wave patterns.
- Helps diagnose epilepsy, sleep disorders, and head injuries.
- Electrodes are placed on the scalp to monitor neural activity.
Differences Between ECG and EEG
| Feature | ECG (Electrocardiogram) | EEG (Electroencephalogram) |
|---|---|---|
| Monitored Organ | Heart | Brain |
| Purpose | Detects cardiac conditions | Analyzes brain activity |
| Placement | Electrodes on chest and limbs | Electrodes on scalp |
| Uses | Diagnosing heart disease, arrhythmias | Diagnosing epilepsy, sleep disorders |
Conclusion
Both ECG and EEG are essential diagnostic tools in medicine, but they focus on different systems—ECG for the heart and EEG for the brain. Understanding their differences helps in better appreciating their role in diagnosing and managing diseases.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on ECG Interpretation
- 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://www.heart.org/-/media/files/affiliates/mwa/kansas-city/kc-cardiac-and-stroke-symposium/2020-event-documents/cardiac-presentations/2-ecg-hockstad.pdf?la=en
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191098
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
3. American Clinical Neurophysiology Society Guidelines on EEG
- https://www.acns.org/advocacy/guidelines-and-consensus-statements
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27482788/
- https://www.acns.org/UserFiles/file/ACNSStandardizedCriticalCareEEGTerminology_rev2021.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22146359/
- https://www.acns.org/
4. European Academy of Neurology Guidelines on EEG
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32090418/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ene.14151
- https://www.aan.com/practice/guidelines
- https://www.ean.org/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7540303/
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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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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.