-
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.
Types of ECG
Introduction
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. Different types of ECGs are used to evaluate heart function in various contexts.
1. Resting ECG
A standard 12-lead ECG performed while the patient is at rest. It is used to detect arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and structural abnormalities.
2. Stress ECG (Exercise ECG)
Conducted while the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. It helps detect exercise-induced ischemia and evaluate heart function under stress.
3. Holter Monitoring (24-48 Hour ECG)
A portable device records the heart’s electrical activity continuously for 24-48 hours. It is useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias and prolonged abnormalities.
4. Event Recorder
Similar to Holter monitoring but used for longer periods (weeks to months). The patient activates the device when symptoms occur, making it useful for infrequent arrhythmias.
5. Implantable Loop Recorder
A small device implanted under the skin that continuously monitors heart rhythm for months or years. It is used when syncope (fainting) or unexplained arrhythmias need further evaluation.
6. Telemetry Monitoring
Continuous ECG monitoring in hospitalized patients, typically used in critical care settings for real-time heart rhythm evaluation.
Conclusion
Different types of ECG tests serve various diagnostic purposes. The choice depends on the patient's symptoms and specific clinical concerns.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guidelines for ECG Interpretation
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- 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.108.191098
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.750
2. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for Ambulatory ECG Monitoring
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Guidelines/Documents/ehaa612.pdf
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/21/1883/4939241
- https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/extended-monitoring-detects-more-arrhythmias-in-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/35/39/2733/853385
- https://www.heartrhythmjournal.com/article/s1547-5271(17)30415-0/fulltext
-
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.