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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 Heartbeat
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It is commonly used to assess heart rhythm, detect abnormalities, and evaluate overall heart health.
How Does the Heartbeat Work?
The heart beats due to electrical impulses that originate from a natural pacemaker called the sinoatrial (SA) node . These impulses travel through specific pathways, leading to coordinated contractions of the heart chambers:
- SA Node (Natural Pacemaker): Initiates electrical impulses.
- Atria Contract: The upper chambers pump blood to the lower chambers.
- Atrioventricular (AV) Node: Delays impulse slightly, allowing ventricles to fill.
- Bundle of His & Purkinje Fibers: Conduct impulses, causing ventricles to contract and pump blood.
- Repolarization: The heart resets for the next beat.
What Can an ECG Tell Us?
An ECG helps detect conditions such as: - Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms (e.g., atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, tachycardia). - Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Can show signs of past or ongoing damage to heart muscles. - Electrolyte Imbalances: Abnormal levels of potassium and calcium affecting heartbeat. - Heart Enlargement (Hypertrophy): Thickened heart muscle due to high blood pressure or other conditions.
When Should You Get an ECG?
Your doctor may recommend an ECG if you experience: - Chest pain or discomfort - Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) - Dizziness or fainting - Shortness of breath
Conclusion
An ECG is a simple, painless, and powerful tool to assess heart health. If you have any concerns about your heartbeat or symptoms, consult your doctor for further evaluation.
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
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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.