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 ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It helps diagnose various heart conditions and assess overall cardiac health.
Basic Principles of ECG
The heart generates electrical impulses that regulate its contraction and relaxation. These impulses are detected by electrodes placed on the skin and recorded as waves on an ECG.
Components of an ECG
- P wave: Represents atrial depolarization (contraction of the atria).
- QRS complex: Represents ventricular depolarization (contraction of the ventricles). It consists of:
- Q wave (small downward movement)
- R wave (sharp upward movement)
- S wave (downward movement after R)
- T wave: Represents ventricular repolarization (relaxation of the ventricles).
- PR interval: The time between the start of atrial contraction and the start of ventricular contraction.
- QT interval: The time it takes for the ventricles to depolarize and repolarize.
Normal vs Abnormal ECG
- Normal ECG: Regular rhythm, consistent waveform patterns, and normal intervals.
- Abnormal ECG: Irregular rhythms (arrhythmias), abnormal waveforms (ischemia, infarction), or prolonged intervals (QT prolongation).
Common Conditions Diagnosed with ECG
- Arrhythmias (Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia)
- Myocardial infarction (Heart attack)
- Ischemia (Reduced blood flow to the heart)
- Hypertrophy (Enlargement of the heart chambers)
Conclusion
ECG is a fundamental tool in cardiology used for diagnosing and monitoring heart diseases. Understanding its basic components helps in recognizing normal and abnormal heart activity.
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 Interpretation
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12269267/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Neonatal-Electrocardiogram-Guidelines-for-the-interpretation-of-the
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article-abstract/39/16/1466/2965923
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2017.01.015
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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.