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.
Understanding a Standard ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a common and essential test used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart. It provides valuable information about heart rhythm, electrical conduction, and can help diagnose various cardiac conditions.
How an ECG Works
An ECG records the electrical impulses of the heart using electrodes placed on the skin. This data is then displayed as a waveform with different segments and intervals, each representing specific phases of the heart's electrical activity.
Main Components of an ECG
- P Wave – Represents atrial depolarization (electrical activation of the atria).
- PR Interval – The delay in conduction from the atria to the ventricles.
- QRS Complex – Represents ventricular depolarization (activation of the ventricles).
- ST Segment – Shows the period when the ventricles are depolarized.
- T Wave – Represents ventricular repolarization (recovery phase).
- QT Interval – Important for assessing the time it takes for the ventricles to depolarize and repolarize.
Clinical Uses of an ECG
- Detecting arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia.
- Diagnosing myocardial infarction (heart attack): Identifying ischemic changes in the ST segment or T wave.
- Assessing electrolyte imbalances: Altered potassium or calcium levels affecting the heart's electrical activity.
- Monitoring cardiac conditions: Observing changes in patients with heart disease or those taking medications that affect the heart.
Conclusion
A standard ECG is a simple, yet powerful tool in cardiology. Understanding its components allows for the early detection and management of various heart conditions, enhancing patient outcomes.
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/19281931/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on ECG Use
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/21/1883/4939241
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/39/2733/853385
- 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!
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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.
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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.