Electrocardiography (ECG)
The device that enables the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases from the electrical activity that occurs during the contraction of the heart is called Electrocardiography (ECG). How is electrocardiography performed in cardiology examinations? Why is electrocardiography taken? questions such as are often asked. Patients should be informed by physicians about the medical methods to be applied to them.
The process of printing the electrical activity of the heart on special papers is called electrocardiography (ECG). The electrical activity of the heart is measured by means of small metal discs (electrodes) placed on the skin. The electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest, arms and legs. The electrodes are connected to a device that converts the electrical activity into a pattern on paper. The findings on the paper are also analysed by physicians. Electrocardiography can provide important information about enlargement of the heart, enlargement of the heart, decreased blood supply to the heart, new or old heart damage, heart rhythm problems and various diseases of the heart and the lining of the heart.
ECG is usually performed to diagnose a heart attack in patients presenting with chest pain, to detect regular or irregular heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), to record the electrical activity of the heart during an effort test, to evaluate the effectiveness or side effects of various medications that may affect the heart, and to evaluate the function of mechanical devices (permanent pacemakers, etc.). ECG tests are also performed to evaluate patients with complaints of heart disease (chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting) or patients at risk for heart disease (high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history or advanced age).
What is Electrocardiography (ECG)?
Electrocardiography is a method that enables patients who come to the cardiology examination with chest pain to evaluate the risk of heart attack and to learn more about the structure and functions of the heart with the help of a device.
For Which Patients Is Electrocardiography (ECG) Performed?
During a cardiological examination, the doctor must investigate the patient for certain signs and symptoms that are necessary to decide whether to perform an electrocardiogram (ECG). Electrocardiography (ECG) is usually performed on the following patients
- – Those complaining of chest pain
- – Those who feel heart palpitations,
- – People with shortness of breath,
- – Living with dizziness,
- – Electrocardiography (ECG) is performed for patients with complaints such as fainting from time to time.
How is Electrocardiography (ECG) Performed?
How is electrocardiography (ECG) performed? They often ask the question. Here are the things the patient should do while taking electrocardiography (ECG):
- – If the patient has jewellery on the wrist and neck, they should remove them.
- – The patient should remove his/her upper clothes to show his/her chest or strip up to the waist.
- – The patient should lie on his/her back on the examination table.
The patient is expected to rest a little in bed and his/her breathing is expected to return to normal. After the necessary preparations, Electrocardiography (ECG) is started.
- – The cables glued on the patient are called electrodes. For better adhesion of the electrodes to the patient’s skin, the patient’s skin surface is cleaned with a special solution.
- – Electrodes are attached to the chest, arm and leg areas of the cleaned skin.
- – Electrocardiography (ECG) takes 2 to 3 minutes.
- – The patient should not talk or move during the electrocardiography (ECG).
The logic of electrocardiography (ECG) is that the electrical activity generated by the heart during contraction is converted into a graph by the electrocardiography (ECG) device and written on an ECG paper. Electrocardiographic outputs are examined by the doctor and the necessary diagnosis and treatment are made.
Things to Know About Electrocardiography (ECG)
Here are some things to know about electrocardiography (ECG):
- – The patient does not feel pain or ache during ECG.
- – ECG does not cause any harm to the body.
- – After electrocardiography (ECG), the patient can fulfil all daily routines.
What to do before ECG Test
- – The ECG device can be taken anywhere, so it can be performed anywhere.
- – The patient does not need to be specially prepared for ECG.
- – It is not a painful or uncomfortable procedure for the patient.
- – During ECG, the patient lies on his/her back on the examination table or on the bed. Jewellery on the patient’s neck, arms and wrists should be removed.
- – The patient’s upper back, wrists and ankles should be opened.
- – If there are socks, they should be removed or peeled off to expose the wrists.
- – Electrode discs are placed on the arms, legs and anterior chest.
- – Special ECG gel or alcohol cotton wool can be applied between the skin and the electrodes for better recording. The patient should not move or talk during the recording.
- – It is usually taken within 5-10 minutes.
- – It is completely painless.
- – Electrodes or conductive gel may feel cold when first used.
- – Redness or mild pain may be felt where the electrodes are placed.
- – There is no risk with ECG, it is a completely safe test.
- – The device records the electrical activity of the heart. No electrical impulse is sent from the device to the patient.