Detecting the beat of your heart – ECG

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of your heart. This test is also known as an EKG.

During an ECG, small electrodes are attached to your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the electrical signals generated by your heart as it beats. The signals are then recorded on a graph, which can be used by a doctor to determine how well your heart is functioning.

The graph produced by an ECG is divided into several parts. The first part is the P wave, which represents the electrical activity that occurs when the atria (the top chambers of the heart) contract. The next part is the QRS complex, which represents the electrical activity that occurs when the ventricles (the bottom chambers of the heart) contract. The final part is the T wave, which represents the electrical activity that occurs when the ventricles relax.

There are several things that a doctor can look for when interpreting an ECG. For example, they can look for abnormalities in the shape or duration of the P wave, QRS complex, or T wave. They can also look for signs of arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) or other heart conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) or heart failure.

When should an EKG be done?

Your doctor may recommend an EKG if you’re experiencing symptoms or signs that may suggest a heart problem, including:

• pain in your chest
• trouble breathing
• feeling tired or weak
• racing of your heart
• a feeling that your heart is beating unevenly
• detection of unusual sounds when your doctor listens to your heart

Measuring the electrical activity of the heart may help your doctor determine if the chambers of the heart are possibly too large or overworked. In other cases, an EKG can help determine the cause of your symptoms along with what type of treatment might be necessary.

If you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may also order an EKG to look for early signs of heart disease. No matter your age, it’s important to be aware of any symptoms that may indicate a heart problem and talk with a doctor about possibly scheduling an EKG.

Overall, an ECG is a simple and non-invasive test that can provide important information about your heart’s health. If your doctor recommends that you have an ECG, don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you understand what the test involves and what the results mean.

Types of electrocardiograms

There are different types of EKG. Some heart problems come and go. In these cases, you may need longer or more specialized monitoring.

Stress test

Some heart problems only appear during exercise. During stress testing, you’ll have a continuous EKG while you’re exercising. Typically, this test is done while you’re on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.

Holter monitor

Also known as an ambulatory ECG or EKG monitor, a Holter monitor records your heart’s activity over 24 to 48 hours or up to 2 weeks while you maintain a diary of your activity to help your doctor identify the cause of your symptoms. Electrodes attached to your chest record information on a portable, battery-operated monitor that you can carry in your pocket, on your belt, or on a shoulder strap.

Event recorder

Symptoms that don’t happen very often may require an event recorder. It’s like a Holter monitor, but it records your heart’s electrical activity just when symptoms occur. Some event recorders activate automatically when they detect arrhythmia. Other event recorders require you to push a button when you feel symptoms. You can send the information directly to your doctor over a phone line.

Loop recorder

A loop recorder is a device that is implanted in your body, under the skin of your chest. It functions as an electrocardiogram would but allows for continuous remote monitoring of your heart’s electrical signals. It’s looking for irregularities that can cause fainting or palpitations.

HOW ECG MAY SEEM TO GO LIKE

An EKG is quick, painless, and harmless. When going through an EKG, here are a few steps to expect during the test:

• After changing into a gown, a technician attaches about 10 soft electrodes (about the size of a quarter) with a gel to your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are attached to wires that are attached to the EKG machine.
• If these areas where the electrodes are attached are not shaved, the technician may shave them for you.
• During the test, lie still on the table and breathe normally.
• Do not talk during the test.
• The machine will record your heart’s electrical activity and show results on a graph.
• Once the test is complete, the electrodes are removed and discarded. The entire procedure should take about 10 minutes.

Possible complications of an ECG

An ECG is very a safe test. It does not send electric currents to the body. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to the adhesive used to stick the electrodes to the skin. This might cause some mild skin itchiness and redness which usually resolves on its own and doesn’t require any treatment.