Ecg

ECG (Electrocardiogram): description, purpose and interpretation of results

An ECG or electrocardiogram is one of the most common methods for studying cardiac activity. It allows you to record the electrical activity of the heart and evaluate its performance.

Purpose of ECG

An ECG may be ordered for a variety of reasons, including:

1. If you have complaints of chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness and other symptoms that may indicate heart disease.
2. During a medical examination to assess the condition of the heart and identify possible problems with its functioning.
3. When monitoring heart diseases and assessing the effectiveness of treatment.

How is an ECG performed?

An ECG is performed using electrodes that are glued to the patient's chest, arms and legs. The electrodes record the electrical activity of the heart and transmit the data to an ECG machine, where it is recorded as a waveform.

Interpretation of ECG results

The ECG results are interpreted by a cardiologist or other cardiovascular specialist. They may indicate various cardiac disorders, such as:

1. Arrhythmia - abnormal heart rhythm;
2. Ischemia - insufficient blood flow to the heart;
3. Hypertrophy - an increase in the size of the heart;
4. Conduction is a disturbance in the conduction of impulses in the heart.

An ECG is a safe and non-invasive procedure that allows you to quickly assess the condition of the heart and identify abnormalities in its functioning. ECG results can be used for further diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Electrocardiogram

An ECG is a test that allows you to study the electrical activity of the heart during one cycle of its work.

ECG recording begins by pressing the “Start” button - the patient can hear a click and light blows on the chest. At the same time, a squeaking sound will be heard from the electrodes recording heart impulses. Some patients may feel pain, but it goes away quickly.

If the test is performed using a defibrillator or other device, the patient may feel electromagnetic discharges, which indicate that the device is trying to stop ventricular fibrillation.

As a result of the examination, 12 leads are obtained - this is a complex of graphic recordings with its main parameters. Standard leads are considered standard limb leads, where the positive phase is the interval from the beginning of the R wave to the beginning of the T wave, and the negative phase is directed counterclockwise. A description of all leads is presented in detail in the ECG appendix.

When interpreting an ECG in healthy patients, sinus rhythm is recorded, i.e. equal RR intervals between the R and S or P waves. In children, the heart rate may be different, increasing during physical activity, while awake and after eating. The PQ and QT segments, P and T waves are clearly distinguished. To interpret the entire ECG complex, it is necessary to have knowledge of the electrogram, the characteristic rhythm and the sinus pacemaker. In sinus rhythm, the duration of the intervals has the following relationships: RR>PQ>QT>ST>RR (taking into account accuracy).

Interpreting an ECG can be challenging, especially if the patient has heart disease or other cardiac abnormalities. It is important to obtain a qualified medical opinion to ensure that there are no serious problems.