An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is checked by recording the heart's electrical signals using electrodes. Here's how it works:
ECG Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for checking an ECG is straightforward and involves the following steps:
-
Electrode Placement:
- Sticky patches called electrodes are attached to specific areas on the chest.
- Sometimes, electrodes are also placed on the arms or legs to get a broader view of the heart's electrical activity.
- These electrodes are designed to pick up the electrical impulses generated by the heart.
-
Connection to the ECG Machine:
- Wires connect the patches to a computer.
- These wires transmit the electrical signals detected by the electrodes.
-
Signal Recording and Display:
- The computer processes the incoming electrical signals.
- The results are then displayed or printed as a graph, showing the heart's rhythm and electrical activity.
- This graph is what doctors use to interpret the ECG and identify any irregularities.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Electrodes (sticky patches) are placed on the chest, arms, or legs. |
| 2 | Wires connect these electrodes to an ECG machine. |
| 3 | The ECG machine records and displays the electrical signals of the heart. |
Why is ECG checked?
An ECG is checked to monitor the heart's electrical activity and identify a range of heart conditions, such as:
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Heart attacks
- Heart enlargement
- Other heart problems
By analyzing the ECG results, healthcare professionals can get a comprehensive understanding of your heart's health.
