The electrocardiogram or ECG is a very simple procedure that takes only a few seconds and does not have any type of complication. The ECG, or electrocardiogram, is an important diagnostic supportprocedure . It is performed when there is a suspicion that there is a cardiac, pulmonary or other pathology. Its function is to provide evidence to confirm or rethink the main diagnosis.
The ECG scan allows you to record the electrical activity of the heart . The electrical signals are born in the right atrium. From there they are transmitted and distributed throughout the heart. This results in the heartbeat.
The electrical impulses are picked up by electrodes during the taking of ECG. These are recorded on a graph paper, in the form of curves or lines.These show how the ventricles and atria contract and relax. In this way you can establish an overview of how the heart of the patient works.
When and why the ECG is taken
There are many health problems that require taking ECG.
Almost always it is about cardiac problems, but it is also required for other pathologies.The purpose is always diagnostic.
The usual thing is that the ECG is requested in the following cases :
- When the patient presents a chest pain that suggests the existence of angina pectoris or myocardial infarction.
- If it is suspected that there is arrhythmia cardiac
- When there are elements suggestive of other pathologies such as pericarditis, heart failure, etc.
- When there are pathologies in the lung , such as pulmonary emboli or thrombi. In those cases there is a risk that the mass obstructs the blood vessels of the heart. That is why the usual thing is that the ECG is ordered.
- When a person has a pacemaker . The electrocardiogram allows to evaluate the functioning of this.
- When there are ionic disorders in the body.
- If you are going to perform surgery it is necessary to evaluate the cardiac function by means of an ECG.
Previous measures
The ECG, as such, lasts between two and three minutes.
However, prior to taking, electrodes should be placed on the chest, ankles and wrists . This procedure is a bit longer. In total the procedure can take between 10 and 15 minutes.
The electrocardiogram is an outpatient procedure. It does not require the ingestion of previous medications , nor the presence of a companion.Neither is it necessary to fast, nor does it have any contraindication.
It is best to wear clothes that are easy to remove and relax, since it is not a complicated exam. It should inform about the medications that are being taken.
How it is performed
The steps to perform the ECG take are the following:
- The patient should lie on a stretcher, face up.
- You must remove all the metal elements you have on you.
- Six electrodes are placed on the body. These are like stickers or a kind of patches. Two go in the ankles, two in the wrists and two in the chest.
- Then wires are connected to these electrodes and the recording starts, which lasts only a few seconds.
- The person must remain still and not speak during the ECG.
If a person is being treated in the emergency room, it is usual to have several electrocardiograms taken.
For that reason you should lie on the stretcher and with the electrodes on your body.
The ECG taking does not present any complications . Once the test is completed, the patient can resume normal activities without any problem.In some people, the stickers or patches can cause a slight irritation on the skin.
Results
The interpretation of an electrocardiogram must be performed by a specialist .
For this reason, it is usual for results to be delivered one or several days after the ECG is taken.
What a doctor evaluates in an ECG are the following aspects:
- Frequency and heart rate.
- Location of the heart, or axis of the heart.
- Possible enlargements of the ventricles or atria.
- Signs of low blood supply to the heart or ischemia.
When circumstances require it, the results of the ECG taking are interpreted immediately.
There are also times when taking the test results in immediate hospitalization.