An ECG (Electrocardiogram) can detect a variety of conditions related to the heart's electrical activity and overall health. Specifically, it identifies irregularities and abnormalities in the heart's rhythm and structure.
Here's a breakdown of what an ECG can reveal:
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Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Arrhythmias): An ECG is crucial for identifying heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregular (atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions).
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Heart Attacks: ECGs can show evidence of a current or previous heart attack by detecting changes in the heart's electrical activity caused by damaged heart muscle.
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Poor Blood Supply to the Heart (Ischemia): An ECG can indicate areas of the heart that are not receiving enough blood and oxygen, a condition known as ischemia.
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Heart Inflammation: Conditions like pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart) and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) can often be detected on an ECG.
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Cardiac Arrest: While not a diagnostic test to predict cardiac arrest, an ECG can reveal the underlying rhythm disturbance that led to the arrest, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
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Conditions Involving the Heart's Electrical System: ECGs are designed to evaluate the functionality of the heart's electrical conduction system. They help identify problems with the sinoatrial (SA) node (the heart's natural pacemaker), the atrioventricular (AV) node, and the His-Purkinje system.
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Electrolyte Imbalances: An ECG can show changes related to electrolyte imbalances such as high or low potassium levels which affect heart function.
In summary, an ECG is a valuable tool for assessing the heart's electrical function and identifying a range of cardiac conditions, including rhythm disturbances, structural abnormalities, and the effects of inadequate blood supply.
