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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.
ECG Examination: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test used to evaluate heart rhythm, detect abnormalities, and assist in diagnosing various heart conditions.
Why is an ECG Needed?
An ECG is commonly performed for the following reasons: - Assessing Heart Rhythm: To detect arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). - Diagnosing Heart Attacks: Identifying signs of a past or ongoing myocardial infarction. - Evaluating Chest Pain: Helping to differentiate between cardiac and non-cardiac causes of pain. - Monitoring Heart Disease Progression: Tracking changes in heart function over time. - Screening Before Surgery: Ensuring cardiac stability prior to major operations.
How is an ECG Performed?
- Electrodes (small, adhesive patches) are attached to the chest, arms, and legs.
- These electrodes detect electrical impulses from the heart.
- A machine records these impulses, producing an ECG tracing with waves that represent different phases of the heartbeat.
Understanding ECG Waves
An ECG tracing includes several key components: - P wave: Represents atrial contraction (depolarization). - QRS complex: Signals ventricular contraction. - T wave: Shows ventricular relaxation (repolarization). - ST segment: Can indicate ischemia or heart attack when abnormal.
What Can an ECG Detect?
An ECG can identify numerous heart conditions, including: - Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and other arrhythmias - Heart attack (myocardial infarction) - Coronary artery disease-related ischemia - Electrolyte imbalances (e.g., potassium or calcium abnormalities) - Pericarditis or myocarditis (inflammation of heart tissues)
Limitations of ECG
While ECGs are excellent for detecting electrical disturbances, they may not always identify underlying structural heart diseases. Additional tests (e.g., echocardiography, stress testing, or cardiac MRI) may be needed for a full evaluation.
Conclusion
An ECG is a fundamental cardiac test that provides crucial insight into heart health. If abnormalities are detected, further evaluation with a cardiologist may be required to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association (AHA) 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.106.180200
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10458728/
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Chronic-Coronary-Syndromes
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21873419/
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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.