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Non Invasive Cardiology

Electrocardiogram

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Electrocardiogram Procedures

Overview

At Artemis Cardiac Centre, we strive to ensure the best care for your heart with personalized care tailored to suit your individual needs. With advanced diagnostic modalities like Electrocardiogram, our experts analyse and assess the patients thoroughly, to plan the best possible care. Our team adheres to the use of the most advanced and innovative techniques because we are committed to treating you with excellence. 

Our team strictly adheres to personalized treatment plans because we believe that every individual has unique medical requirements. Throughout your journey from treatment to recovery, we ensure your medical needs are being catered to with a robust approach.

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Electrocardiogram

What is Electrocardiogram ?

Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiography, also known as ECG, is one of the most important diagnostic tools used in the field of cardiology. It helps doctors evaluate the general health of the heart and identify abnormalities, if any. This plays a crucial role in assessing the hearts overall health.

ECG is one of the most common procedures used to monitor heart health and instantly identify cardiac problems. The heart produces electrical impulses that stimulate the heart muscles to contract and pump blood. These electrical signals are captured by an ECG, which plots them as lines or waves on a graph to reveal details about the heart's rhythm and operation.

Why does one need an Electrocardiogram?

Electrocardiogram is widely used for monitoring and assessing heart health, especially in patients with existing heart diseases, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or valvular heart disease. ECG is also used for screening, particularly in high-risk patients, to find any underlying cardiac abnormalities before symptoms manifest.

An electrocardiogram may also be used for assessing/diagnosing

  • Heart Rhythm Abnormalities - An ECG can be used to diagnose arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. It helps in the accurate diagnosis of diseases like bradycardia, ventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation which can be further given appropriate treatments.
  • Heart Muscle Damage - An ECG can detect warning indications of a previous or ongoing heart attack by identifying changes in the electrical signals caused by damaged heart muscle.
  • Heart Enlargement - An ECG can show the enlargement of the heart, which is often a sign of an underlying heart disease such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease or cardiomyopathy.
  • Pre-Surgical Assessment - Since ECG can detect underlying cardiac abnormalities, it is helpful in determining the level of fitness for surgical patients, particularly those with a history of heart problems.

Types of Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiogram is broadly classified and based on the technique that is used:

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Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)

It is used for the detection and assessment of a condition involving the cardiopulmonary system

Stress Test

It is used for evaluation of heart function when you are under increased stress caused by physical exertion

Holter Monitor

It is a type of Electrocardiogram that allows doctors to continuously monitor heart function for a span of 24 hours or more.

Resting 12-lead ECG

It is a standard procedure in which doctors stick electrode pads on your chest and assess electrical activity of the heart while you are lying still.

Signal-Averaged ECG

The procedure is used for detecting intermittent abnormal heart rhythms. 

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Symptoms

You may be recommended to go for angioplasty if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms linked to coronary artery disease, which are not responding to medication and lifestyle modifications:

Advantages of Electrocardiogram

Various Advantages of Electrocardiogram are:

About Electrocardiogram Procedure

Preparation

  • Before scheduling an ECG, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider. They will provide you with specific instructions and advise whether any medications need to be temporarily stopped before the test.
  • Avoid caffeine and nicotine as these can alter your heart rate and interfere with the accuracy of the ECG results. It's recommended to avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, and cigarettes for a few hours before the test.
  • Dress appropriately to ensure proper placement of the ECG electrodes on your chest and limbs, and wear comfortable clothes that can be easily removed or lifted. Loose-fitting and two-piece outfits are preferable.
  • Stay relaxed. It's important to be relaxed during the ECG procedure as stress and anxiety can affect your heart rate. Take deep breaths and try to remain calm.
  • Follow the instructions and guidelines recommended by your doctor. They will guide you on when to lie still, how to breathe, and when to relax or contract specific muscles.

What does the procedure involve?

  • You will be made to lie down on an examination table, and areas of your skin where the electrodes will be placed will be cleaned and may be lightly abraded to ensure good electrical contact.
  • The electrodes will be attached to defined spots on your chest, arms, and legs, and the lead wires will be connected to an ECG machine.
  • The machine will record the electrical activity of your heart for a few seconds or minutes, and the results will be displayed on the screen which will be later printed on a paper for your further reference.

What follows the Procedure?

  • If the patients report is not showing any concerning symptoms, no further action may be required.
  • However, if the ECG reveals any abnormalities, the doctor might suggest additional cardiac tests such as a stress test, echocardiogram, or coronary angiography to further examine the heart's health and functionality. The doctor may also ask to do additional blood tests to check for specific cardiac enzymes or markers or would just prescribe medications to treat any identified conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q -How often should an Electrocardiogram be done for screening purposes?

An Electrocardiogram should be done at least once a year if you are middle-aged or elderly or have risk factors that make you more susceptible to a heart attack, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Q - How long does it take to perform an Electrocardiogram?

An Electrocardiogram is a simple procedure that does not take more than a couple of minutes. 

Q - Is Electrocardiogram a safe procedure?

Yes, Electrocardiogram is a very safe procedure and there are no noteworthy risks associated with it. The only discomfort you feel is that experienced when the sticky electrode patches are removed from the chest.

Q - What can Electrocardiogram help to diagnose and assess?

An Electrocardiogram can help to assess a patient's heart rate, heart rhythm, amount of blood flowing to the heart muscle, damaged section of the heart and structural abnormalities in the heart. 

Q - Can anyone go for an Electrocardiogram?

Yes, anyone can go for an Electrocardiogram as it is a safe procedure. 

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