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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.
Basics of ECG (Electrocardiography)
Introduction
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a simple, non-invasive test used to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing various heart conditions, ranging from arrhythmias to heart attacks.
How the ECG Works
The heart generates electrical impulses that coordinate its contractions. Electrodes placed on the skin detect these impulses, and the ECG machine converts them into waveforms displayed on paper or a screen.
Components of an ECG Waveform
- P wave: Represents atrial depolarization (the electrical activation of the atria).
- PR interval: Measures the time taken for electrical signals to travel from the atria to the ventricles.
- QRS complex: Represents ventricular depolarization (the activation of the ventricles that leads to contraction).
- ST segment: Important for detecting ischemia or infarction.
- T wave: Represents ventricular repolarization (recovery phase of the ventricles).
Common Clinical Applications of ECG
- Detecting arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms)
- Identifying myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Diagnosing heart chamber enlargement
- Evaluating signs of electrolyte imbalances
- Monitoring the effectiveness of cardiac medications
ECG Leads and Placement
A standard ECG consists of 12 leads: - Limb leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF): Provide views of the heart in the frontal plane. - Precordial (chest) leads (V1–V6): Offer a horizontal plane view of the heart.
Conclusion
Understanding the basics of ECG is essential for recognizing heart disorders at an early stage. If you experience symptoms like palpitations, chest pain, or dizziness, an ECG helps in timely diagnosis and treatment.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines on 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.106.180200
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/acls-prep-ecg-pharmacology
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on ECG Interpretation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article-abstract/39/16/1466/2965923
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Neonatal-Electrocardiogram-Guidelines-for-the-interpretation-of-the
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/2/119/4095042
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
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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.