ECG Rhythms

ECG Rhythms By Eric Morris

ECG is an abbreviation for an electrocardiograph. An ECG records the heart's electrical activity as a graph or a series of wavy lines on a moving strip of paper. It provides information on a patient's heart rate and rhythm and blood flow. It is used to diagnose medical problems such as a heart attack or irregular heartbeats.

Heart rhythm problems or arrhythmias can be diagnosed using a variety of methods. The method depends upon the specific heart rhythm problem suspected by a physician. An electro physiology is done when the arrhythmia is identified as a fast heart rhythm problem called tachyarrhythmia.

There are different types of ECG tests that help record the heart's rhythm of patients. The exercise ECG or stress test is a graphical recording of the heart's rhythm during exertion. The exertion is created using a treadmill machine. This test helps to evaluate whether exercise can create an arrhythmia or make it worse. It also helps diagnose a condition involving insufficient flow of blood to the heart called ischemia.

An ECG rhythm is recorded for long and short periods of time. A Holter monitor is a 24-72 hour ECG. It is a device that measures and records the heart rhythm over 1-3 days. This test may be done when an ECG does not clearly show the arrhythmia, though it is suspected to be the underlying cause of the symptoms. In a ECG Rhythm test, patches with wires are placed on the patient's chest. The wires are connected to a portable monitor that can be attached to a purse or belt.

An external loop recorder is a device that monitors the heart rhythm and rate for up to one month. During this test, the patient wears a device on the wrist or around the waist. When symptoms are experienced, the patient presses a button on the device to make a recording of the heart activity that just occurred.

An insertable loop recorder is a device that continuously monitors the heart rhythm for up to 14 months. This small device is placed under the skin during a twenty-minute procedure using a local anesthetic. When a symptom is experienced, the patient places a hand-held activator over the recorder. Later, a physician analyzes the stored information. ECG rhythms help diagnose problems that can be cured when detected. It is just one of many applications of an ECG that has a life saving impact.

ECG provides detailed information on ECG, ECG Course, ECG Cross Reference, ECG Semiconductors and more. ECG is affiliated with EKG Interpretation.

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The Meaning of Abnormal EKG Results

The Meaning of Abnormal EKG Results By Damian Sofsian

Many physicians recommend EKGs as a preventive-screening tool for those with a family history of heart disease. While a healthy person does not need an EKG as a part of an annual exam, many physicians will recommend an EKG if they have concerns. If a patient complains of chest pain, palpitations or other indicators of heart problems, the physician will likely recommend an immediate EKG test. Depending on the severity of the situation, your doctor may refer you to a local testing center immediately or ask you to schedule the next available appointment.

An abnormal EKG is determined by comparing the results of your EKG graph with a standard or normal heart graph. Spikes and dips within the graph are referred to as P, QR and PR and other similar acronyms. Normal EKG readings show a slight flat-dip in between contractions and relaxations. If these flat-dips are not present, it may be an indication of a more serious problem. Normal EKG readings will have spikes and dips too.

Myocardial defects, heart valve disease, enlargement of the heart, inflammation of the heart, coronary artery disease, and past, pending or impending heart attacks are only a few of the problems that EKG's can help to detect. The conditions in which the EKG is performed can also have an impact on the accuracy of the results. Some heart problems are not present all of the time and therefore may not appear in EKG results. In cases where heart problems are suspected but not detected on the EKG, a Holter monitor may be recommended. This monitor is worn, usually for a period of 24 to 48 hours and serves as a type of mini-EKG test. The patient wears the monitor at home and it continuously records heart activity. Doctors also recommend that the patient be relaxed during the exam because any muscle trembling or contractions can alter the results and produce an inaccurate reading.

Many people are surprised to learn that they have had an abnormal EKG reading. What is even more surprising is that when presented with abnormal EKG results, some doctors do not seem concerned. It doe not necessarily mean they are inadequate or uncaring physicians, it is more likely they believe something else has caused the abnormal reading. Most will want to pursue further testing or another EKG. Sometimes an event as simple as low blood sugar can have an altering affect and produce false EKG readings. Other times, abnormal EKGs require further testing to determine what, if any, problems actually exist.

EKG Info provides comprehensive information on EKG readings, interpretation, m machines, technicians, abnormal EKGs and more. EKG Info is the sister site of Stethoscopes Web.

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