Understanding ECG Check-Up

Introduction

Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart over a period of time. It helps doctors assess the heart's rhythm, detect irregularities, and diagnose various heart conditions.

Why is an ECG Important?

  • Detect arrhythmias – Abnormal heart rhythms that may lead to complications.
  • Identify heart attacks – Past or recent heart attacks leave traces on an ECG.
  • Check heart structure – Some diseases enlarge or change heart structure.
  • Monitor treatment – It helps evaluate the effectiveness of medications or pacemakers.

When Should You Get an ECG?

  • If you experience chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or palpitations.
  • As part of a regular heart check-up, especially for people with a history of heart disease.
  • Before surgeries to assess heart health.
  • If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems.

How is an ECG Performed?

  1. Electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
  2. The machine records the electrical signals of your heart.
  3. The entire process is painless and takes only a few minutes.
  4. The doctor analyzes the results and recommends further tests if needed.

What Happens After an ECG?

  • Normal results – Your heart is functioning well.
  • Abnormal results – Additional exams like echocardiography or stress tests may be required.
  • You may need medication changes or lifestyle adjustments based on the findings.

Conclusion

An ECG is a quick, simple, and essential tool to monitor heart health. If you have concerns or symptoms, consult your doctor about getting an ECG done.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines

  1. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
  2. https://www.heart.org/
  3. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
  4. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
  5. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines

  1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
  2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
  3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
  4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
  5. https://www.escardio.org/

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