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The Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Electric Signals In Your Heart

The Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Electric Signals In Your Heart

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a non-invasive method that records the heart's electrical activity over time. ECG's provide essential information about heart rate, cardiac rhythm, and conduction of excitation in the heart [1]. ECGs are a standard method in cardiology and are used to diagnose and monitor heart disease. This article looks closely at the different types of ECGs, how they are performed and evaluated, and their importance for health.

Blog Author Jris Health Coach at CARE
Jris Bernet

Health Coach EN

Published in General Health
4 min read · Feb 20, 2024

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Table of content

What Is an Electrocardiogram (ECG)?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart over time. The ECG measures the electrical signals generated during cardiac activity and presents them as a graph [2].

ECGs provide information about heart rate, heart rhythm, and conduction of the heart's excitation. Electrocardiography is used to diagnose heart disease, clarify symptoms such as heart pain and arrhythmias, monitor the effectiveness of certain treatments, and assess the overall condition of the heart.

What are the Different Types of ECGs?

There are different types of ECGs, depending on the purpose of the exam. Common ECG's include the resting ECG, the exercise ECG, and the long-term ECG [3].

  • The Resting ECG is usually performed at rest and can provide information about heart rhythm as well as detect abnormalities in cardiac activity.
  • The Exercise ECG is recorded during physical exertion, such as running or cycling, and can assess cardiac function under stress.
  • The Long-term ECG, also called Holter ECG, records heart activity over a long period of time and can detect arrhythmias that occur only occasionally.

When Is an ECG Performed?

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ECGs are performed in a variety of situations and for a variety of reasons. They are used to diagnose heart disease, clarify symptoms such as heart pain and arrhythmias, monitor the effects of certain treatments, and assess the overall condition of the heart.

Common indications for an ECG include chest pain or chest tightness, palpitations or palpitations, shortness of breath or shortness of breath, cardiac arrhythmias such as dizziness or syncope, monitoring cardiac function with certain treatments or medications, preparing for planned surgeries or procedures, and checking cardiac health in high-risk patients [4].

CARE's ECG service offers a modern approach to heart health by facilitating access to high-quality diagnostic procedures and medical expertise. By combining technology and expertise, CARE enables members to improve their heart health and actively participate in heart monitoring and care.

It is important to know that a normal ECG does not necessarily indicate a heart problem. An ECG is only a snapshot of heart activity and may not detect certain conditions. A comprehensive evaluation of heart health usually requires a combination of clinical examination, medical history, other diagnostic tests, and medical expertise.

ECG Evaluation

ECG evaluation involves assessing heart rate, heart rhythm, and other characteristic features of the ECG waveform. A normal heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A regular heart rhythm indicates a steady sequence of heartbeats. Deviations from the norm may indicate various heart problems. For example, changes in the ST segment may indicate a heart attack. However, a comprehensive assessment requires additional testing and medical expertise.

For example, ST-segment changes may indicate acute myocardial infarction [6].

Normal ECG

A normal ECG shows a regular heart rate, normal cardiac rhythm, and no significant deviations from the norm. The heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute. The heart rhythm indicates a regular sequence of heartbeats, with each beat occurring in a specific pattern. Deviations from the norm may indicate various heart problems or diseases. It is important to note that a normal ECG does not always rule out the absence of heart problems.

A comprehensive assessment of heart health usually requires a combination of clinical examination, medical history, other diagnostic tests, and physician expertise.

How Do ECGs Work?

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The ECG examination is usually simple and painless. The patient is asked to relax and remain still. Electrodes are placed on specific areas of the body, such as the wrists, ankles, or chest. The electrodes detect the electrical signals from the heart and transmit them to an ECG machine, which records and graphs the activity [7].

No special follow-up is usually required after an ECG examination. A physician or cardiologist evaluates the results and recommends further testing and treatment if necessary.

Performing an ECG at CARE

As part of your preventive health check-up at CARE, depending on your CARE plan, an ECG is also performed to identify potential heart conditions. You can view the results conveniently in your CARE app. This will tell you whether any abnormalities in your heart rhythm have been detected that require special attention.

Book your health check-up now and find out more!

Blog Author Jris Health Coach at CARE

Jris Bernet

Health Coach EN at CARE Zurich

About the author

Jris is a health coach (nerd) and blog author at CARE. She has many years of experience as a coach for classic lifestyle conditions such as diabetes and women's health. She enjoys facilitating health challenges and courses. Fasting, keto, sleep, women's health and biohacking - Jris feels at home in these topics. When she's not working for CARE, she loves to listen to health podcasts and try out new (health) gadgets. Her credo: "It's never too late to start living a new lifestyle."