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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 the Basics of an EKG and Heart Function
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is a crucial tool in diagnosing various heart conditions, from arrhythmias to heart attacks.
How Does the Heart Work?
The heart functions as a pump, circulating blood throughout the body. It has four chambers: - Two atria (upper chambers) that receive blood - Two ventricles (lower chambers) that pump blood out
The heart beats due to electrical signals that originate in the sinoatrial (SA) node and travel through the atrioventricular (AV) node to the ventricles. These impulses produce the heart's rhythmic contractions.
What Does an EKG Measure?
An EKG records the heart’s electrical activity and provides information about: - Heart rate (how fast the heart is beating) - Heart rhythm (regular or irregular beats) - Heart structure (signs of previous heart attacks or other abnormalities)
Common Heart Conditions Diagnosed with EKG
- Arrhythmias – Irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib)
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) – Identifying damage to heart muscles
- Heart Enlargement (Cardiomegaly) – Suggestive of high blood pressure or other conditions
- Electrolyte Imbalances – Changes in potassium or calcium levels affecting heart function
When Should You Get an EKG?
An EKG might be recommended if you experience symptoms like: - Chest pain - Palpitations - Shortness of breath - Dizziness or fainting - High blood pressure
Conclusion
Understanding your EKG results can help detect heart conditions early. If you have concerns, consult your doctor for further evaluation!
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
- https://www.escardio.org/
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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.