What is an electrocardiogram?

Electrocardiogram is a medical test that is usually performed to investigate electrical activity in the heart. The test is often simply referred to as ECG or ECG. The test records electrical signals that cause to beat the heart. Some doctors perform electrocardiograms as part of normal annual physical examination. Individuals with established or expected heart state may have a test regularly.

Doctors use electrocardiograms to diagnose different types of heart abnormalities. Patients who come to their doctor with symptoms such as chest pain, chest difficulty, dizziness or shortness of breath may have this test. It is often used as the first predictor of the heart problem. The test is often performed to detect arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. The electrocardiogram can accurately show the speed at which the heart beats and whether the rhythm of the rhythm is normal.

There may be alternative reasons why one can have this test. Individual that had a heart attack may have eLektrocardiogram to find out how much damage the attack caused. People on heart medicines can have a test to see if the medication is doing their job. For example, an individual with a heart arrhythmia may have an ECG to see if drugs are repairing abnormal rhythms. People with artificial cardiovascular equipment, such as pacemaker, can undergo electrocardiograms to ensure that the pacemaker works as it should.

To prepare for an electrocardiogram test, it will usually be asked to avoid stressful or demanding activities. This will usually include everything that can cause heart rate to increase significantly. It is also important to inform doctors whether medicines for heart are currently taking. Any type of cardiac medicine can significantly affect the results of this diagnostic test.

patients will lie downstarest to be done. Electrodes that are small discs made of metal,They will be attached to the chest and other areas such as arms and often legs. The area will be thoroughly cleaned before connecting the electrodes. The electrodes will be connected to the device that records electrical activity and captures the results on the paper print. While the test takes place, it will be important to stay calm and very calm because movement can prevent the test results.

In general, an electrocardiogram is considered a painless test. Electrodes can be particularly cold because they are applied to the skin and when small devices are removed, the feeling similar to removing plastic bandages may be. If the test is performed by a general internist or family physician and the results are unusual, the patient may be sent to a specialist for subsequent evaluation. In most cases, the doctor will be a cardiologist who is a doctor specializing in cardiovascular disorder of the disease.