An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a type of cardiac test that measures the heart rhythm and the electrical activity of the heart. It is anon-invasive, painless test that measures the electrical signals in your heart and instantaneously shows its electrical activity. Naturally occurring electrical signals coordinate the contractions in different parts of your heart. The electrical impulses are formed in the sinus node (SAN), which is located in the right atrium of your heart. The sinus node is known as the heart’s natural pacemaker. Electrical signals are then transmitted to different areas of the heart. These signals keep blood flowing around your heart and body correctly. Every time your heart beats, an electrical signal travels through your heart. By measuring these signals, a cardiologist (also known as a heart doctor) can check if your heart beats at a normal rate. An ECG can also show the rhythm of your heartbeat, the strength and timing of the electrical signals as they move around the heart and the size and positioning of the chambers of your heart. An ECG can show important information about your overall cardiac health. There are three main types of electrocardiogram1. A Resting ECG – This is carried out when you are lying down and resting in a comfortable position.2. A Stress ECG – Also known as an Exercise ECG, a Stress ECG is carried out while you are exercising, usually on an exercise bike or a treadmill. 3. An ECG Holter Monitor – Sometimes referred to as an Ambulatory ECG, a Holter Monitor is used when your heart needs to be monitored over a longer period. Electrodes will be connected to a small, portable machine that you carry around with you, usually for 24-48 hours up to 14 days. The type of electrocardiogram you require will depend on your symptoms and whether the cardiologist suspects a particular heart condition. An electrocardiogram is completely safe. Contrary to what the name suggests, no electricity is put into your body. Instead, it measures the electrical activity in your heart.
As ECGs allow a cardiologist to diagnose and monitor conditions of the heart. there are several reasons why your doctor may ask you to have an ECG test. This could include:· To investigate symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, severe tiredness or lethargy, dizziness and fainting.· To monitor your heart rate. · To confirm a suspected irregular heartbeat. · To check if enough oxygen is entering your heart. · To determine your heart’s overall health before procedures or surgery.· To determine your heart’s overall health after a heart attack, an infection of the heart or heart surgery.· To check the effectiveness of a pacemaker.· To check the effectiveness of heart treatments.· To record a baseline of the heart’s function for later comparison. · To check for heart enlargements as a result of other conditions, such as high blood pressure.
An electrocardiogram can be used for detecting a variety of heart conditions. It can also show your overall cardiac health and the overall function of your heart. An ECG can help to detect:· Arrhythmias: Also known as an irregular heartbeat, this could include your heart beating too quickly or slowly, or at an irregular rate. · Coronary heart disease: An ECG can show if your heart’s blood supply is blocked or is being disrupted by a build-up of plaque or other substances. · Function or anatomical abnormalities: This could include abnormalities in the shape or size of the heart. · Heart attacks: An ECG can be used to diagnose a suspected heart attack by showing abnormal electrical impulses. · Cardiomyopathy: For example, if the walls of the heart become thicker or enlarged.
An electrocardiogram is often combined with other tests to allow your cardiologist to make a more accurate diagnosis or to monitor existing conditions. If your cardiologist needs to assess your heart under stress, they may combine your ECG with an exercise tolerance test or a stress echocardiogram. Your ECG may also be combined with other non-cardiac tests, such as a blood test and blood pressure monitoring.
Although both electrocardiograms and echocardiograms are important cardiac tests, they are not the same. An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and looks at your heart’s rhythm and the electrical impulses of your heart. An Echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that creates moving pictures of your heart. It looks at the structure and function of your heart. It also looks at the size and shape of your heart and its pumping function. A different type of test will be ordered depending on your symptoms, your previous cardiac history and the suspected heart condition. In some cases, your doctor may request both an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram.
During an electrocardiogram, electrodes (a type of small, sticky patch) are placed on your chest, arms and legs. The electrodes are then connected to an ECG recording machine using wires. The electrodes detect the electrical signals that are produced every time your heart beats. The activity of your heart will be measured and recorded by the ECG machine and the results will be interpreted by a cardiologist. The cardiologist will be able to detect anything abnormal or unusual about your ECG results and make an appropriate diagnosis. The ECG test usually only lasts for a few minutes and you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort.
