An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a simple and painless test that records the electrical activity of
your heart. It's a commonly used tool to assess heart health and diagnose various heart conditions.
How does an ECG work?
During an ECG, small sticky patches called electrodes are attached to your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes pick up the electrical signals from your heart and send them to an ECG machine, which records the signals as a graph. The graph, called an electrocardiogram, shows the different stages of your heartbeat, including the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.
What does an ECG tell you?
An ECG can help diagnose a variety of heart conditions, including:
● Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation
● Coronary artery disease: Narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart ● Heart attack: Damage to the heart muscle caused by a blocked artery ● Heart failure: A condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively ● Pericarditis: Inflammation of the lining around the heart
Types of ECGs:
There are several different types of ECGs, depending on the specific information that is needed:
● Standard 12-lead ECG: This is the most common type of ECG and it provides a basic overview of your heart's electrical activity. ● Holter monitor: This is a portable ECG that you wear for 24 to 48 hours. It continuously records your heart's electrical activity, which can help diagnose arrhythmias that occur infrequently. ● Event recorder: This is a portable ECG that you wear for a longer period of time, such as a week or a month. It only records your heart's electrical activity when you press a button, which can help diagnose arrhythmias that are triggered by certain activities. ● Stress test: This is an ECG that is done while you are exercising. It can help diagnose coronary artery disease by looking for changes in your heart's electrical activity during exercise.
If you have any concerns about your heart health, talk to your doctor about whether an ECG is right for you.
