Electrocardio Graph (EKG): How And Why?

Posted by williamjack on December 11th, 2017

Electrocardiogram(ECG or EKG) is a renowned diagnostic tool employed for tracing electrical as well as the muscular activity of the heart. It is a brief, simple, and pain-free test which is helpful in detecting issues related heart and monitors the heart rate in a variety of situations as such. Though this test is relevantly simple to perform, the evaluation of EKG reports requires considerable amounts of training. The healthcare professional performing the EKG ought to be skilled enough to interpret the data accurately.

Apparently, the heart is an electrical pump that involves two essential stages and electrodes are employed to measure the electrical activity of the heart. As soon as the heart begins beating, an electrical impulse is produced which in turn causes the heart muscles to squeeze and pump blood from the heart to the different parts of the body. In case, the heart isn’t behaving abnormally, EKG will indicate a standard graph with top and lower heart chamber timings. Apart from measuring the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat, EKG offers a roundabout proof of the flow of blood to heart muscles as such.

How is the test conducted?

Measured either in a healthcare professional’s chamber, hospital or an outpatient facility, EKG is a test constructed before any surgery or stress testing. The patient needs to lie down on a table. After that, 12 electrodes are attached to the patient’s skin at variable regions including, chest, arm, and legs. There may need for shaving-off your body hair to help the electrodes stick properly. These electrodes are connected to a machine with the help of wires which record the heartbeat rate. After that, the electrodes are removed.

Why is it done?

Though EKG is a normal routine test, people with all sorts of heart ailments, arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, and possibly a heart failure are referred. This simple baseline test assists to detect the abnormalities of heart which includes abrupt changes in heart rhythm and issues with heart muscles and degree of damage occurred to a heart from a previous heart attack or so.

An ECG alternative: Holter system

Do you often suffer from irregularities in the heart in terms of its rhythms and rate?

If so, there are high chances that the deviations will not be detected in a normal ECG. In such peculiar cases, paramedics recommend a holter system to monitor the heart rhythm precisely.

Holter system is a device used for recording ECG for an extended period that may last a day or so. It helps to determine variations in palpitations and dizziness. Just like EKG, a Holter system is a painless procedure and a proven method to recognize abnormalities, all-inclusive.

Author’s Bio: Author is an avid blogger. The article is on  EKG.