An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that is used to detect cardiac variations from the norm by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. It is recorded by an electrocardiograph. The electrocardiograph records the electrical activity of the heart muscle and shows this information as a trace on a screen or on paper. This information is then translated by a medical professional.
ECG from a healthy heart has a characteristic shape. Any abnormality in the heartbeat or damage to the heart muscle can alter the electrical activity of the heart eventually changing the shape of ECG. This is known to be a safe and non-invasive procedure with no known risks.
When is an ECG used?
ECGs are frequently used along with other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the heart.
It can be used to examine indications of a possible heart problem, such as
Chest pain
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Palpitations (suddenly noticeable heartbeats)
A doctor may also suggest ECG for individuals who might have a chance of having heart disease at the risk of family history, or because they smoke, or have diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.
An ECG can help to detect,
Arrhythmias - Changes in the pattern of the heartbeat.
Coronary heart disease - Blockage of blood supply to the heart due to the accumulation of fat.
Heart attacks - Sudden blockage of blood supply to the heart.
Cardiomyopathy - Enlargement or thickening of walls of the heart.
A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor an individual who is already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication that can potentially affect the heart.
RECORDING PROCEDURE OF ECG
There are several ways to record an ECG. Generally, this test involves attaching a number of electrodes to the chest, arms, and legs which are connected by wires to an Electrocardiograph. These electrodes detect the electrical activity generated by the heart and electrocardiograph measures and record them. There is no need for restricting food or drink prior to the test. The individual must make sure to let the medical practitioner know the medications taken by him/her and the possible allergies to adhesive tapes used in attaching the electrodes. The upper clothing is removed in order to attach the electrodes to the chest and limbs. ECG works efficiently when the skin is clean, dry, and free of oils or lotions. Shaving the respective areas is necessary to make sure that there’s a viable contact between the skin and the electrode. The duration of the test depends on the type of ECG to which the patient is subjected to.
Types of ECG
The three major types of ECG are:
Resting ECG
The test is carried out while lying down. No movement is allowed during the test, as electrical impulses generated by other muscles may interfere with those generated by the heart.
This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
Ambulatory ECG
An ambulatory or Holter ECG is wearing a portable recording device for at least 24 hours. The individuals free to move around while the monitor is attached.
This type of ECG is used for patients whose symptoms are intermittent (stop-start) and may not show up on a resting ECG, and for people recovering from heart attack to ensure that their heart is functioning properly.
Exercise stress test (EST)
The test is carried out while using a static cycle or a treadmill.
This usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
Obtaining Results
An electrocardiograph will usually show the heart rhythm and electrical activity as a graph displayed electronically or printed on a paper. For an ambulatory ECG, the ECG machine will store the information about the heart electronically, which can be accessed by a doctor when the test is complete. Then the recordings will be interpreted by a medical practitioner to see if there are signs of a potential problem.
Don't be afraid to take an ECG...
An exercise ECG is performed under controlled conditions. The person carrying out the test will carefully monitor, and they’ll stop the test if the patient experiences any symptoms or start to feel unwell.
But An ECG is a quick, safe, and painless test. No electricity is induced into your body while it's carried out. So don't be afraid to take an ECG when needed.
Vimukthi Chandula
References
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/electrocardiogram/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/ecg-test
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