ECG
Uses
- How It Works: Small, sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on the skin of the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart as it beats.
- Heart Rhythm Problems: Diagnosing arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, or tachycardia.
- Heart Attack Detection: Identifying signs of a past or ongoing heart attack (myocardial infarction).
- Monitoring Heart Conditions: Assessing the effectiveness of treatments for heart disease or monitoring existing conditions like coronary artery disease.
- Structural Issues: Detecting heart abnormalities, such as hypertrophy (thickened heart walls) or electrolyte imbalances.
- Pre-Surgical Assessment: Ensuring the heart is functioning properly before surgery.
An ECG is a non-invasive test that records the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. It provides a graphical representation of these signals, showing the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity over time.
