What is Electrocardiogram?:
Electrocardiogram or ECG is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. The electrical stimulus is responsible for the coordinated beating of the heart and problems or abnormalities in the electrical system can result in abnormal heart rhythms. Heart attack can also change the electrical impulses. This test helps diagnose heart attack and abnormal heart rhythms and can help determine treatments for problems.
Electrocardiogram or ECG is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart. The electrical stimulus is responsible for the coordinated beating of the heart and problems or abnormalities in the electrical system can result in abnormal heart rhythms. Heart attack can also change the electrical impulses. This test helps diagnose heart attack and abnormal heart rhythms and can help determine treatments for problems.
Why Do I Need an Electrocardiogram?:
You will need a ECG urgently if you are having chest pain. It will also be done on a regular basis if you have had a heart attack to monitor for further damage to the heart. Your doctor may also order a ECG if you are at high risk for heart disease because of diabetes or high blood pressure. Some experts suggest an ECG be done on everyone over the age of 40 as a part of their annual checkup.
You will need a ECG urgently if you are having chest pain. It will also be done on a regular basis if you have had a heart attack to monitor for further damage to the heart. Your doctor may also order a ECG if you are at high risk for heart disease because of diabetes or high blood pressure. Some experts suggest an ECG be done on everyone over the age of 40 as a part of their annual checkup.
What Preparation is Needed For Electrocardiogram?:
Generally no preparation is required. Men who have very hairy chests may need to have some areas shaved in order to apply the sensors to the chest.
Generally no preparation is required. Men who have very hairy chests may need to have some areas shaved in order to apply the sensors to the chest.
How is Electrocardiogram Performed?:
The test is done with you lying on an exam table. Senors or leads with conductive gel are placed across your chest and one on each arm and each leg. They may be attached with a suction cup or adhesive. The leads measure electrical activity of the heart from a different angles it beats. You must lay still during the few minutes the exam takes. The electrical activity is recorded on a tape and examined by a cardiologist. Tell the technician if you have any chest pain during the exam.
The test is done with you lying on an exam table. Senors or leads with conductive gel are placed across your chest and one on each arm and each leg. They may be attached with a suction cup or adhesive. The leads measure electrical activity of the heart from a different angles it beats. You must lay still during the few minutes the exam takes. The electrical activity is recorded on a tape and examined by a cardiologist. Tell the technician if you have any chest pain during the exam.
What Can I Expect After An Electrocardiogram?:
There are no restrictions to activity after the test is completed.
There are no restrictions to activity after the test is completed.
When Will the Results of an Electrocardiogram Be Ready?:
The ECG is generally done by a specially trained technician. A physician may read the results right away or within a few days.
The ECG is generally done by a specially trained technician. A physician may read the results right away or within a few days.
What Are the Next Steps After Electrocardiogram?:
A doctor will review the results of the EKG. By examaning chages or abnormalities in the electical activity noted in the tracings from the exam problems or areas of heart damage can be identified. The results may assist in determining treatment or may point to the need for further tests.
A doctor will review the results of the EKG. By examaning chages or abnormalities in the electical activity noted in the tracings from the exam problems or areas of heart damage can be identified. The results may assist in determining treatment or may point to the need for further tests.
SOURCES:
Medline, National Institutes of Health 7/2006; Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Edition 16, F.A. Davis Company 1989.
Medline, National Institutes of Health 7/2006; Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, Edition 16, F.A. Davis Company 1989.
