Heart Disease and Electrocardiograms, Specialized ECGs
Heart Disease and Electrocardiograms, Specialized ECGs
An electrocardiogram (also called EKG or ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of your heart through small electrode patches attached to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. An ECG may be part of a routine physical exam or it may be used as a test for heart disease. An ECG can be used to further investigate symptoms related to heart problems.
ECGs are quick, safe, painless, and inexpensive tests that are routinely performed if heart disease is suspected.
Heart Disease Medications
Accupril (quinapril) Aceon (perindopril) Adalat (nifedipine) Altace (ramipril) Apresoline (hydralazine) Aspirin Benicar HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan)Brilinta (ticagrelor) Caduet (amlodipine and atorvastatin) Capoten (captopril) Coreg (carvedilol) Cozaar (losartan) Dilatrate-SR (isosorbide dinitrate) Diovan (valsartan) Effient (prasugrel) Heparin Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate) ...
Read the Heart Disease Medications article > >
Your doctor uses the ECG to:
To prepare for an electrocardiogram:
During an electrocardiogram, a technician will attach 10 electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. Men may have chest hair shaved to allow a better connection. You will lie flat while the computer creates a picture, on graph paper, of the electrical impulses traveling through your heart. This is called a "resting" EKG. This same test may also be used to monitor your heart during exercise.
It takes about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds.
Your ECG patterns will be kept on file for later comparison with future ECG recordings.
If you have questions, be sure to ask your doctor.
In addition to the standard ECG, your doctor may recommend other specialized ECG tests, including a holter monitor or a signal-averaged electrocardiogram.
A holter monitor is a portable ECG that monitors the electrical activity of a freely moving person's heart generally for one to two days, 24-hours a day. It is most often used when the doctor suspects an abnormal heart rhythm or ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle).
It is a painless test; electrodes from the monitor are taped to the skin. Once the monitor is in place, you can go home and perform all of your normal activities (except showering). You will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and any symptoms you experience and when they occur.
ECGs are quick, safe, painless, and inexpensive tests that are routinely performed if heart disease is suspected.
Recommended Related to Heart Disease
Heart Disease Medications
Accupril (quinapril) Aceon (perindopril) Adalat (nifedipine) Altace (ramipril) Apresoline (hydralazine) Aspirin Benicar HCT (hydrochlorothiazide and olmesartan)Brilinta (ticagrelor) Caduet (amlodipine and atorvastatin) Capoten (captopril) Coreg (carvedilol) Cozaar (losartan) Dilatrate-SR (isosorbide dinitrate) Diovan (valsartan) Effient (prasugrel) Heparin Imdur (isosorbide mononitrate) ...
Read the Heart Disease Medications article > >
Your doctor uses the ECG to:
- Assess your heart rhythm
- Diagnose poor blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia)
- Diagnose a heart attack
- Evaluate certain abnormalities of your heart, such as thickened heart muscle
How Should I Prepare for an Electrocardiogram?
To prepare for an electrocardiogram:
- Avoid oily or greasy skin creams and lotions the day of the test. They interfere with the electrode-skin contact.
- Avoid full-length hosiery, because electrodes need to be placed directly on the legs.
- Wear a shirt that can be easily removed to place the leads on the chest.
What Happens During an Electrocardiogram?
During an electrocardiogram, a technician will attach 10 electrodes with adhesive pads to the skin of your chest, arms, and legs. Men may have chest hair shaved to allow a better connection. You will lie flat while the computer creates a picture, on graph paper, of the electrical impulses traveling through your heart. This is called a "resting" EKG. This same test may also be used to monitor your heart during exercise.
It takes about 10 minutes to attach the electrodes and complete the test, but the actual recording takes only a few seconds.
Your ECG patterns will be kept on file for later comparison with future ECG recordings.
If you have questions, be sure to ask your doctor.
In addition to the standard ECG, your doctor may recommend other specialized ECG tests, including a holter monitor or a signal-averaged electrocardiogram.
What Is a Holter Monitor?
A holter monitor is a portable ECG that monitors the electrical activity of a freely moving person's heart generally for one to two days, 24-hours a day. It is most often used when the doctor suspects an abnormal heart rhythm or ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle).
It is a painless test; electrodes from the monitor are taped to the skin. Once the monitor is in place, you can go home and perform all of your normal activities (except showering). You will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and any symptoms you experience and when they occur.
