Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiogram

Course Description

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a quick, non-invasive, and painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. Each time the heart beats, an electrical signal travels through it, causing the heart's chambers to contract and pump blood. An ECG measures these electrical impulses to evaluate the heart's rate, rhythm, and overall health.
 
 
 
 
How an ECG works
During an ECG, small, sticky sensors called electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
  1. Detection of signals: The electrodes detect the electrical signals produced by your heart as it beats.
  2. Transmission: Wires, or "leads," connect the electrodes to an ECG machine.
  3. Recording: The machine converts the signals into a wave pattern and records them on a screen or paper.
  4. Analysis: A healthcare provider interprets this graph to look for patterns that might indicate a problem.
 
What an ECG can show
Healthcare providers use ECG results to diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions:
  • Heart rate and rhythm: An ECG can help diagnose an unusually fast heart rate (tachycardia) or a slow heart rate (bradycardia), as well as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) like atrial fibrillation.
  • Heart attack: The test can reveal signs of a past or current heart attack by showing which part of the heart muscle may be damaged.
  • Blood supply: An ECG can show if the heart muscle is getting an adequate supply of blood and oxygen.
  • Heart structure: The results can provide clues about heart structure changes, such as an enlarged heart or congenital defects.
  • Treatment effectiveness: The test can also check how well treatments for heart disease, like a pacemaker, are working.
 
Types of ECGs
The type of ECG performed depends on the patient's symptoms and what the doctor needs to evaluate.
  • Standard 12-lead ECG: This resting ECG is performed while the patient lies still. It provides a brief "snapshot" of the heart's activity and is often the first test for signs of a heart condition.
  • Stress or exercise ECG: This test records the heart's electrical activity while the patient is exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. It helps doctors see how the heart performs under stress.
  • Holter monitor: This portable ECG device is worn for one to two days to record the heart's activity during daily activities. It is useful for capturing intermittent symptoms that a standard ECG might miss.
  • Event monitor: Similar to a Holter monitor, this device is worn for a longer period (up to 30 days) and records the heart's rhythm only when the patient activates it or when it detects an irregular heart rhythm.
 
When is an ECG performed?
Your doctor may recommend an ECG if you experience symptoms like:
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • A pounding, fluttering, or skipping heartbeat (palpitations)
It can also be performed as part of a routine checkup or to monitor heart health if you have risk factors for heart disease, like a family history of heart problems.
 
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or a diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

Course Syllabus

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a quick, non-invasive, and painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. Each time the heart beats, an electrical signal travels through it, causing the heart's chambers to contract and pump blood. An ECG measures these electrical impulses to evaluate the heart's rate, rhythm, and overall health. How an ECG works During an ECG, small, sticky sensors called electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. Detection of signals: The electrodes detect the electrical signals produced by your heart as it beats. Transmission: Wires, or "leads," connect the electrodes to an ECG machine. Recording: The machine converts the signals into a wave pattern and records them on a screen or paper. Analysis: A healthcare provider interprets this graph to look for patterns that might indicate a problem. What an ECG can show Healthcare providers use ECG results to diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions: Heart rate and rhythm: An ECG can help diagnose an unusually fast heart rate (tachycardia) or a slow heart rate (bradycardia), as well as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) like atrial fibrillation. Heart attack: The test can reveal signs of a past or current heart attack by showing which part of the heart muscle may be damaged. Blood supply: An ECG can show if the heart muscle is getting an adequate supply of blood and oxygen. Heart structure: The results can provide clues about heart structure changes, such as an enlarged heart or congenital defects. Treatment effectiveness: The test can also check how well treatments for heart disease, like a pacemaker, are working. Types of ECGs The type of ECG performed depends on the patient's symptoms and what the doctor needs to evaluate. Standard 12-lead ECG: This resting ECG is performed while the patient lies still. It provides a brief "snapshot" of the heart's activity and is often the first test for signs of a heart condition. Stress or exercise ECG: This test records the heart's electrical activity while the patient is exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. It helps doctors see how the heart performs under stress. Holter monitor: This portable ECG device is worn for one to two days to record the heart's activity during daily activities. It is useful for capturing intermittent symptoms that a standard ECG might miss. Event monitor: Similar to a Holter monitor, this device is worn for a longer period (up to 30 days) and records the heart's rhythm only when the patient activates it or when it detects an irregular heart rhythm. When is an ECG performed? Your doctor may recommend an ECG if you experience symptoms like: Chest pain Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue Shortness of breath A pounding, fluttering, or skipping heartbeat (palpitations) It can also be performed as part of a routine checkup or to monitor heart health if you have risk factors for heart disease, like a family history of heart problems.


Duration: 12 Months
(5 Reviews)

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