Overview Of An Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiograms test the electrical activity in a patient's heart! They diagnose the cause of many symptoms, including irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain, and dizziness. The majority of individuals have had at least one echocardiogram. They are now a standard portion of the patient intake process in emergency rooms! An electrocardiogram does not create electricity. Instead, it measures the natural electrical current in the patient's heart and body!

Many patients use a portable ECG monitor as part of their electrocardiogram monitoring. Of course, these tests in a hospital allow patients to receive faster heart attack treatment. This is crucial for recovery! Patients also need an electrocardiogram to help with treatment for arrhythmias. Of course, patients must understand how these tests work first!

How The Procedure Works

There are different types of electrocardiograms. Thus, how the procedure works changes based on which one patients need! Of course, all electrocardiograms use electrodes. They are attached to the patient's chest. Sometimes there are electrodes on their limbs as well! These electrodes measure electrical signals given from the patient's heart. These signals start in the sinus node and travel to other heart chambers, where it starts pumping blood throughout their body! The electrical signals are responsible for keeping the patient's heart beating.

After the electrodes measure the signals, they transmit the data to the monitoring device. Then, the results are stored and printed. The printed results are typically called an EKG strip. A technician or doctor will read and interpret the results!

Continue reading to discover when this test is used next.

When This Test Is Used

Certain patients receive an electrocardiogram as part of their routine checkups! Many doctors use them as a standard test when they suspect lung or heart problems. Examples include when they suspect an irregular heartbeat or blocked arteries! Doctors also use this test to confirm that a patient had a heart attack. At the same time, it checks to see if the heart attack is still happening! Many heart and lung diseases cause low voltage signs. These signs will often appear on an electrocardiogram report! Thus, doctors recommend this test when they suspect a patient has one of these diseases as well.

In some cases, electrocardiograms involve exercise! They are often called stress tests in these instances. Patients need them when they have exercise-induced asthma or experience breathing difficulties when they are active. Other uses for these tests are to see how successful surgery was and to check how a progressive condition has changed.

Get the details on the different types of this test next.

Types Of Electrocardiograms

Most patients receive the resting 12-lead electrocardiogram. This test checks their heart for abnormalities while they sit still. As mentioned, the stress test measures electrical activity in the patient's heart while they are exercising. In most cases, patients walk or run on a treadmill with electrodes on their chest. Some patients need a cardiopulmonary exercise test, which is an advanced version of the stress test! This type tests their heart, muscles, and lungs at the same time. Patients need a mouthpiece as well as the electrodes for this type.

Some patients will use a Holter monitor. They must wear this device for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. It monitors their heart through the same electrodes during this period! Another type of electrocardiogram is a signal-averaged one. It is used in combination with other types. This one is more sensitive at detecting heart issues. It takes five to twenty minutes to administer!

Reveal how to prepare for one of these tests next.

Getting Ready For An Electrocardiogram

The exact preparation for these tests depends on which type patients need! However, there is some basic advice. First, patients cannot drink alcohol or caffeine before an electrocardiogram. Patients who need a stress test or similar must avoid heavy meals and exercise before them! Wearing loose clothing is recommended as well. Patients must, however, take off lipstick and jewelry.

In some cases, patients will need to remove their shirts before an electrocardiogram. This is necessary for the technician to attach the electrodes! Sometimes, patients must avoid lotions before these tests. They make it hard to attach the electrodes properly. However, technicians can occasionally use alcohol wipes to help.

Discover how the results are interpreted next.

Interpreting The Results

Of course, the technician or doctor must interpret the results of an electrocardiogram. They do this by reading the results strip, which is where the patient's heartbeat is recorded as a wave. The doctor will know when these waves indicate that the heart is pumping blood and contracting normally. The waves also show how long it takes for the electrical signals to travel through the various chambers of the heart!

Sometimes, natural structures slow down the electrical signals. One such structure is the atrioventricular node! The good news is that the technician can differentiate this type of delay from an abnormal one. The signals will show evidence of a heartbeat that is too fast or too slow. Technicians must also interpret readings involving the patient's breathing rate, blood pressure, and carbon dioxide levels in some forms of electrocardiograms.