What happens during an EKG test? During the procedure: You will lie on an exam table. A health care provider will place several electrodes small sensors that stick to the skin on your arms, legs, and chest. The provider may need to shave or trim excess hair before placing the electrodes. The electrodes are attached by wires to a computer that records your heart's electrical activity.
The procedure only takes about three minutes. Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? You don't need any special preparations for an EKG test. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If your results were not normal, it may mean you have one of the following disorders: Arrhythmia A heartbeat that is too fast or too slow Inadequate blood supply to the heart A bulge in the heart's walls. This bulge is known as an aneurysm.
Thickening of the heart's walls A heart attack Results can show if you've had a heart attack in the past or if you are having an attack during the EKG.
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. References American Heart Association [Internet]. The Nemours Foundation; c— ECG Electrocardiogram ; [cited Nov 3]; [about 2 screens]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats.
These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they're unusual. An ECG may be requested by a heart specialist cardiologist or any doctor who thinks you might have a problem with your heart, including your GP. The test can be carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional at a hospital, a clinic or at your GP surgery.
Despite having a similar name, an ECG isn't the same as an echocardiogram , which is a scan of the heart. An ECG is often used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the heart. It can be used to investigate symptoms of a possible heart problem, such as chest pain , palpitations suddenly noticeable heartbeats , dizziness and shortness of breath. A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication known to potentially affect the heart.
There are several different ways an ECG can be carried out. Generally, the test involves attaching a number of small, sticky sensors called electrodes to your arms, legs and chest. These are connected by wires to an ECG recording machine. How a healthy heart works. Donate now. Why is it done? To detect abnormal heart rhythms that may have caused blood clots to form. Detect heart problems, including a recent or ongoing heart attack , abnormal heart rhythms arrhythmias , coronary artery blockage, areas of damaged heart muscle from a prior heart attack , enlargement of the heart , and inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart pericarditis.
Detect non-heart conditions such as electrolyte imbalances and lung diseases. Monitor recovery from a heart attack, progression of heart disease, or the effectiveness of certain heart medications or a pacemaker. Rule out hidden heart disease in patients about to undergo surgery. How do you prepare?
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