Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a widely used diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It helps healthcare providers detect various heart conditions by providing a visual representation of the heart’s electrical impulses. The ECG test is non-invasive, painless, and typically takes only a few minutes to complete.

An ECG is commonly used to diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions. It can detect arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or other irregular heartbeats, which may lead to complications like stroke if left untreated. The test is also valuable in identifying myocardial infarction (heart attack) by showing signs of reduced blood flow to the heart muscles or damage caused by an existing or past heart attack. Additionally, ECGs can indicate structural abnormalities, such as an enlarged heart or thickened heart muscle, which could be a sign of conditions like cardiomyopathy or high blood pressure.

There are different types of ECGs that cater to various diagnostic needs. The resting ECG is performed while the patient is at rest, providing a baseline reading of the heart’s electrical activity. An exercise ECG, or stress test, monitors the heart’s function during physical exertion, which can reveal problems that might not be apparent when the heart is at rest. The ambulatory ECG, also known as Holter monitoring, involves wearing a portable ECG device for 24 hours or longer to record heart activity over an extended period, making it useful for detecting intermittent arrhythmias or symptoms that occur sporadically.