Scribd
Upload
125 views5 pages

What Is Ecg

The ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart over time through electrodes placed on the skin. It produces 12 views that can detect abnormalities in the heart's atria, ventricles, and blood flow. The ECG shows the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave representing electrical impulses traveling through the heart during each heartbeat. It can detect issues like heart attacks, abnormal rhythms, and reduced blood flow. The painless test involves attaching leads to the limbs and chest for 5 minutes to gather readings.

Uploaded by

Leeyan Mee
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
125 views5 pages

What Is Ecg

The ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart over time through electrodes placed on the skin. It produces 12 views that can detect abnormalities in the heart's atria, ventricles, and blood flow. The ECG shows the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave representing electrical impulses traveling through the heart during each heartbeat. It can detect issues like heart attacks, abnormal rhythms, and reduced blood flow. The painless test involves attaching leads to the limbs and chest for 5 minutes to gather readings.

Uploaded by

Leeyan Mee
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

WHAT IS ECG?

It is a transthoracic (across the thorax or chest) interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, as detected by electrodes attached to the outer surface of the skin and recorded by a device external to the body. The ECG consists of 12 views of the electrical impulse generated by the heart. The 6 views on the left half of the ECG (called I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF) are generated by the electrodes on the arms and legs; the 6 views on the right half (V1 through V6) are generated by the electrodes on the chest. From these 12 views, various cardiac abnormalities can be localized to specific areas of the heart. Each heartbeat generates a "complex" consisting of 3 parts: The "P" wave represents the electrical impulse traveling across the atria of the heart. Abnormalities of the P wave, therefore, reflect abnormalities of the right and/or left atrium.

The QRS complex represents the electrical impulse as it travels across the ventricles. Abnormalities of the QRS are often seen when there has been prior damage to the ventricular muscle, such as in a prior myocardial infarction (heart attack.) The "T" wave represents the recovery period of the ventricular muscle after it has been stimulated. The portion of the ECG between the QRS complex and the T wave is called the ST segment. Abnormalities of the ST segment and the T waves are often seen when the heart muscle is ischemic - that is, when it is not getting enough oxygen, usually because there is a blockage in a coronary artery.

INDICATIONS:
- The illnesses of the heart muscle This exam permits to detect very many illnesses of the heart, first of all the myocardial infarction. - The illnesses of the envelope of the heart, the pericardium

The pericarditis can also be detected by an electrocardiogram. - The disorders of the heart rhythm The slowing of the cardiac frequency (bradycardia) or on the contrary its acceleration (tachycardia) will be easily detected thanks to an electrocardiogram. The physician will even specify the exact nature of the rhythmic illness of the heart.

What is measured or can be detected on the ECG (EKG)?


The underlying rate and rhythm mechanism of the heart. The orientation of the heart (how it is placed) in the chest cavity. Evidence of increased thickness (hypertrophy) of the heart muscle. Evidence of damage to the various parts of the heart muscle. Evidence of acutely impaired blood flow to the heart muscle. Patterns of abnormal electric activity that may predispose the patient to abnormal cardiac rhythm disturbances.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Early stages of acute myocardial infarction Unstable angina pectoris unless the patient has stabilized Severe congestive heart failure Severe aortic stenosis Active myocarditis, pericarditis, or endocarditis Dissecting aortic aneurysm; an abdominal aortic aneurysm is not a contraindication [15] Recent pulmonary or systemic emboli Resting systolic BP >200 mmHg, or diastolic BP >120 mmHg Acute thrombophlebitis

How is an ECG (EKG) performed?


EKG leads are attached to the body while the patient lies flat on a bed or table. Leads are attached to each extremity (four total) and to six pre-defined positions on the front of the chest.

A small amount of gel is applied to the skin, which allows the electrical impulses of the heart to be more easily transmitted to the EKG leads. The leads are attached by small suction cups, Velcro straps, or by small adhesive patches attached loosely to the skin. The test takes about five minutes and is painless. In some instances, men may require the shaving of a small amount of chest hair to obtain optimal contact between the leads and the skin.

- Xandra Lin U. Jazmines

You might also like