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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 (Electrocardiogram)
Introduction
Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is a vital diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It helps in assessing heart rhythm, diagnosing cardiac conditions, and monitoring heart function.
Why is an ECG Used?
ECGs are used for various purposes, including: - Diagnosing Arrhythmias: Identifying irregular heart rhythms. - Detecting Heart Attacks: Recognizing signs of myocardial infarction. - Evaluating Heart Structure: Identifying hypertrophy, ischemia, and other cardiac abnormalities. - Monitoring Pacemaker Function: Checking if an artificial pacemaker is working properly. - Assessing Medication Effects: Observing the impact of medications on heart function.
How is an ECG Performed?
- Small electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs.
- These electrodes detect electrical signals generated by the heart.
- The machine translates these signals into wave patterns that doctors analyze.
Interpreting ECG Results
- Normal ECG: Indicates a healthy heart rhythm (sinus rhythm).
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Abnormal ECG:
May show signs of arrhythmia, ischemia, or structural abnormalities.
- Bradycardia: Slow heart rate.
- Tachycardia: Fast heart rate.
- ST-Elevation: Possible heart attack (myocardial infarction).
- Atrial Fibrillation: Irregular heartbeat that increases stroke risk.
Limitations of ECG
- A single ECG only provides a snapshot at one moment in time.
- Some conditions require continuous monitoring (e.g., Holter monitoring or stress tests).
- False positive or false negative results are possible.
Conclusion
An ECG is a simple, non-invasive, and highly valuable tool in cardiac assessment. While an ECG provides crucial information about heart health, it is often used alongside other tests for a comprehensive diagnosis.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association 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 Guidelines on Cardiac Diagnosis
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25173338/
- https://www.hrsonline.org/guidance/clinical-resources/2009-guidelines-diagnosis-and-management-syncope
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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.