What are the common causes of abnormal ECG?
Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test performed to record the heart's electrical activity. This is a non -invasive procedure that can be done quickly. Abnormal ECG can be caused by a number of factors, including arrhythmia or faster or slower than a normal heart rhythm. Other causes may include a defect in the heart muscle, heart failure and coronary arteries.
In the heart, the electrical signal travels from the upper house to the lower chamber, so that heart contract or defeat. Several conditions can change the electrical signal in the heart. Electrocardiogram is one of the first steps to determine heart problems. ECG results are available immediately after the procedure, which can help physicians to make rapid diagnosis and start treatment.
Other reasons for abnormal ECG include the current, imminent or past heart attack. Myocardics, which is an inflammation of the heart, can also cause ECG abnormalities. The expansion of the art and heart valves can also lead to abnormal ECG results.
Chemical blood imbalance can also cause abnormal ECG. Chemicals in blood, such as potassium and sodium, are known as electrolytes. Electrolytes are needed for proper heart function. If the levels of certain electrolytes change and become either abnormally high or abnormally low, electrical activity of the heart may be affected. These changes in electrical activity can lead to unusual ECG.
abnormal electrocardiogram can also be caused by a certain type of congenital defect in the heart. This type of heart problem is present from birth. Several heart defects can lead to abnormal ECG, such as narrowed valves, heart holes and right ventricular hypertrophy. In some cases the symptoms may not be present and one is not aware of the situation until it does not have an abnormal electrocardiogram.
It is important to understand that although the ECG can detect abnormal heart rhythm, it may not be idento tie the cause. For example, ECG can show tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, but there are many causes of this unusual rhythm. After abnormal ECG, additional tests may be needed, determining the cause of abnormality. Other tests such as echocardiogram, stress test, blood work or cardiac catheter may also be required to determine the cause of abnormal electrocardiogram.