An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is often conducted to determine whether or not a person has heart disease. It is not usually done unless the doctor feels the person is at risk for or suspects that person has a form of heart disease. It is a relatively simple and pain-free test that records the electrical impulses of the heart. The ECG is used to measure and determine the heartbeat, the heart’s nerve pathways, and the heart rate and rhythm.
What Does an ECG Determine?
An ECG is used to determine whether a number of heart diseases are present. An ECG can determine if a person has any of the following:
arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm, Arrhythmia is defined as the irregular beating of the heart and can take place in several forms, including Tachycardia, which occurs when the heart beats too quickly, usually over 100 beats per minute; Bradycardia, where the heart beats too slowly, (under 55 beats per minute in an adult), and other arrhythmia problems, which include extra heartbeats or skipped heartbeats.
Ischemia, or a lack of blood and oxygen to the heart. This is generally caused by clogged or completely blocked blood vessels.
Hypertrophy, which occurs when one or both ventricles in the heart become enlarged. This is most often the result of high blood pressure and the strain it puts on the heart muscle.
A previous heart attack. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot or other form of blockage completely cuts off the supply of blood to a part of the heart. This is a life-threatening event that should be treated immediately.
Monitor medications. In some cases, an ECG is ordered in order to see if certain prescription heart medications are actually having a worsening effect on the heart.
Monitor electrical devices. An ECG is also used on occasion to monitor internal pacemakers or defibrillators to make sure they are functioning properly.
Upon receiving the results of the ECG, the doctor is then able to determine the type of heart disease the patient has and then take appropriate action.
How Is an ECG Taken?
An ECG is painless and quick; it lasts an average of 3 minutes. The ECG technician will place small electrodes on the legs, arms, and chest. A gel is applied to the skin to prevent shock or burning on the patient’s skin. These electrodes are connected to a machine that records the readings and then traces them onto a sheet of paper. The electrodes then measure the electrical currents produced by the heart during the heart beats and output them onto the paper. The tracings then tell the heart’s electrical activity from a variety of angles.
What Next?
After your ECG, if the test reveals you have a form of heart disease or that you’ve had a heart attack, your doctor will probably require further testing in order to identify completely the nature of the problem. This test can be in the form of an exercise stress test or a cardiac catheterization. If the condition is hypertrophy (thick heart muscle) an echocardiogram might be given in order to look for possible abnormalities of the valves and surrounding tissue.
If your doctor orders an ECG, no special preparation is needed. It is a quick, painless test that can either monitor current conditions or help diagnose a variety of heart disease. From there, treatment options will be discussed or the doctor will order more tests.