The Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Electric Signals In Your Heart

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?

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].

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?

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.