Blog

+91 9342179224
EMERGENCY SERVICE

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG or EKG)

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It is a non-invasive procedure commonly used to diagnose heart conditions and assess overall heart health.

How It Works:

The heart generates electrical impulses that trigger each heartbeat. These impulses can be detected through electrodes placed on the skin. The ECG records these electrical signals, providing a visual representation of the heart's rhythm and function.

Components of an ECG:

  1. P wave: Represents atrial depolarization (the electrical impulse traveling through the atria, leading to their contraction).
  2. QRS complex: Represents ventricular depolarization (the electrical impulse traveling through the ventricles, leading to their contraction).
  3. T wave: Represents ventricular repolarization (the process of the ventricles recovering and preparing for the next beat).
  4. PR interval: The time between the start of atrial depolarization and the start of ventricular depolarization.
  5. QT interval: The time between the start of ventricular depolarization and the end of ventricular repolarization.

Common Uses of an ECG:

  1. Detecting Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, or bradycardia, can be identified.
  2. Diagnosing Heart Attacks: An ECG can reveal signs of a past or current heart attack (myocardial infarction).
  3. Assessing Heart Function: It helps evaluate the overall health of the heart, including how well it pumps blood and responds to electrical impulses.
  4. Identifying Heart Disease: Conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) and other structural heart problems can sometimes be detected through an ECG.
  5. Monitoring Heart Activity During Surgery or Recovery: It's used during surgeries, especially heart surgeries, and during recovery to monitor any potential complications.
  6. Investigating Symptoms: An ECG can be done if a person experiences chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.

Procedure:

  1. Preparation: The patient typically lies down and is asked to remain still during the test. Small adhesive electrodes are placed on specific points on the chest, arms, and legs.
  2. Recording: The electrodes detect electrical signals and transmit them to an ECG machine, which generates a waveform.
  3. Interpretation: A healthcare provider reviews the ECG output to assess the heart's electrical activity, rhythm, and any irregularities.

Types of ECG:

  1. Resting ECG: Conducted while the patient is lying down and at rest.
  2. Stress (Exercise) ECG: Performed while the patient is exercising (on a treadmill or stationary bike) to monitor how the heart responds to physical stress.
  3. Holter Monitor: A portable ECG device worn by the patient for 24–48 hours to continuously record heart activity during daily activities.
  4. Event Monitor: Similar to a Holter monitor but used for longer periods (weeks or months) to record intermittent heart problems.

Normal ECG:

A normal ECG shows a regular rhythm, with consistent spacing between the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave, and no unusual intervals or patterns.

Abnormal ECG Findings:

  • Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats can be detected, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib) or ventricular tachycardia (VT).
  • Heart Attack: Changes in the ST segment or abnormal Q waves can indicate a heart attack or previous myocardial infarction.
  • Electrolyte Imbalances: Certain conditions like low potassium levels can cause specific changes in the ECG pattern.
  • Heart Block: Delays in the electrical signals between the atria and ventricles can be seen in various types of heart block.

Advantages of an ECG:

  • Quick and Non-invasive: The test is fast and requires no incisions or injections.
  • Easy to Perform: It can be done in various settings, including a doctor’s office, hospital, or emergency room.
  • Cost-effective: It is a relatively inexpensive procedure.
  • Provides Immediate Results: The results are available almost immediately for evaluation.

Limitations:

  • Not Always Conclusive: While it can detect many heart problems, some conditions may not show up on an ECG, especially if the heart issue is intermittent or occurs when the test is not being done.
  • Does Not Provide Detailed Imaging: It only measures electrical activity and does not give direct information about the heart's structure or blood flow.

An ECG is a crucial tool in the early detection and management of heart conditions, helping healthcare providers determine the appropriate course of treatment for patients with suspected or existing heart problems.