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.