An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a method of examining the heart by recording on paper electrical vibrations from the heart muscle during its normal work.
An electrocardiogram is a screening tool for detecting heart disease.that is, an inexpensive, easy to perform, fast and harmless method, which is included in the standards for examining patients with suspected cardiac pathology.
No special training is required to conduct an ECG study. The man lays down on the couch. Special electrodes in the form of clips or suction cups are placed on the arms, legs and chest surface. The skin is pre-treated with saline or regular gel.
Manipulation is absolutely painless. The patient is required to lie still for 1-2 minutes.
The result of the study is a paper tape on which a curve is drawn – a record of the electrophysiological activity of the heart.
What does the ECG show?
ECG is a very informative study. With the help of a cardiogram, it is possible to detect violations of the heart rhythm and conduction. Suspect myocardial hypertrophy, inflammatory heart disease.
The cardiogram allows you to diagnose a myocardial infarction or a condition preceding it.
Of great importance is the ECG as a method of tracking the dynamics of heart disease. The size and shape of the teeth formed on the ECG can be used to judge the effectiveness of the treatment.
When conducting an ECG, it is advisable to inform the doctor about the medications that you are currently taking, as some medications affect the functioning of the heart, which may affect the cardiogram.
When should an EKG be taken?
A healthy person who does not have heart complaints should have an ECG done once a year during a preventive examination in a clinic.
The reason for unscheduled ECG diagnostics is the appearance of complaints of pain in the heart, shortness of breath, interruptions in the work of the heart, an increase or decrease in blood pressure, episodes of loss of consciousness. An ECG is required when registering for pregnancy, before childbirth, when applying for a job, issuing a spa card, and so on.
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