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.
ECG Monitoring: Understanding the Basics
Introduction
Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring is a key tool in cardiology used to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It helps in diagnosing arrhythmias, ischemia, and other cardiovascular conditions. Understanding how ECG monitoring works and when it is needed can help patients take better care of their heart health.
What is an ECG?
An ECG is a test that records the electrical impulses of the heart using electrodes placed on the skin. It provides vital information about heart rhythm, the presence of any irregularities, and potential signs of heart disease.
Types of ECG Monitoring
- Resting ECG – Performed while lying down to check for heart abnormalities at rest.
- Exercise ECG (Stress Test) – Conducted while exercising to assess heart function under physical stress.
- Holter Monitoring – A portable device worn for 24-48 hours to record continuous heart activity.
- Event Monitoring – A device used over days or weeks to capture irregularities when symptoms occur.
- Implantable Loop Recorder – A small device implanted under the skin for long-term heart rhythm monitoring.
When is ECG Monitoring Recommended?
- Detecting arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Evaluating chest pain or discomfort
- Monitoring heart health after a heart attack
- Checking the effectiveness of heart disease treatments
- Detecting electrolyte imbalances affecting heart rhythm
How to Prepare for an ECG
- Avoid caffeine and smoking before the test.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Inform the doctor about any medications being taken.
Conclusion
ECG monitoring is a non-invasive and highly valuable tool for detecting heart conditions. Early identification of abnormal rhythms can prevent severe complications such as stroke or heart failure.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for ECG Monitoring
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000527
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/update-to-practice-standards-for-electrocardiographic-monitoring-in-hospital-settings
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28974521/
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:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
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.
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.