What is an ECG? The technique of taking heart performance indicators is a special technique for recording currents that occur after a certain time period. It is recommended to undergo electrocardiography annually as a test, regardless of age. An ECG is an additional way to determine the veracity of research results.
What is an ECG?
The heart is a unique organ capable of independently creating currents, from which it contracts. If the heart is healthy, it is excited in the sinatrial node and transfers currents to the atrioventricular node through the bundles. Through these bundles, excitation enters the ventricles, causing them to contract. The heart is autonomous, possesses automatism, conductivity and contractility. ECG is a removal technique, thanks to which it is possible to trace the smoothness of all these processes.
In order to carry it out correctly, it is necessary to follow a certain technique and perform everything in stages. An electrocardiogram is a method of studying the work of the heart, which is based on the registration of electric fields generated in the process. Obtaining the correct result depends on the experience of the specialist and compliance with certain rules. The decoding of the electrocardiogram, that is, the resulting graphic data, should be carried out by a cardiologist.
What is it for?
Why conduct an ECG? Removal technique is a non-invasive examination procedure. With its help, you can track the work of the main organ in the human body. Electrocardiography allows you to assess the condition of the heart and identify its disease. An ECG is prescribed by a physician or cardiologist if the patient complains of pain in the heart, chest, discomfort in the left hypochondrium, shortness of breath, rhythm disturbance, dizziness, fainting, angina pectoris. The method is not considered universal, since it only indirectly determines the activity of the organ.
Using electrocardiography, the cardiac conduction system, its rhythm, organ size, blood supply, and localization of the affected part of the muscle are evaluated. Due to the fact that the ECG provides different data on the state of the heart, it is very popular.
The ECG device monitors all the pulses that the heart creates and records them. They are measured, converted into a graph, fixed on film. This technique was included in mandatory studies during preventive examinations and in the presence of any pathologies. A cardiogram is removed before any type of surgical intervention, the use of drugs that affect the functioning of the heart, as well as before and after drug therapy.
Features
The ECG apparatus, subject to the removal technique, is able to determine the presence of the following diseases:
- coronary heart disease ;
- myocardial infarction;
- rhythm and conduction disturbances;
- hypertrophy.
Using electrocardiography, you can also detect vascular diseases and lung disorders.
Advantages and disadvantages
What are the advantages and disadvantages of ECG? The removal technique is absolutely harmless and safe for humans. There are no contraindications for her. An electrocardiogram is removed for both children and adults. The procedure is simple, fast, efficient and inexpensive. The main drawback is the inaccuracy of the testimony. It should be performed only by a professional in compliance with certain requirements and rules, since it is easy to obtain inaccurate data. It is best to do an ECG in the morning on an empty stomach.
Preparation
How to conduct an ECG? The electrodes must be positioned correctly, otherwise the results will be unreliable. Before starting the procedure, the patient needs to prepare. Removing the performance of the heart lasts only ten minutes. The cabinet should have a comfortable air temperature. The calm state of the patient guarantees the accuracy of the indicators. Before the procedure, you should definitely rest for ten to fifteen minutes to normalize the work of the heart.
Registration of electrocardiography is standardized. Six suction cups equipped with ECG electrodes are placed in front of the patient’s chest. They are similar to plates and are connected to a block that records all incoming signals. The specificity is that they are recorded graphically on a moving tape or monitor screen.
Patient Position
The application of electrodes is carried out in a supine position. To perform the correct procedure, it is necessary to expose the torso, ankles and wrists. It is important to breathe shallow during registration. Doctors recommend performing an ECG on an empty stomach. Before the diagnosis, you can not drink alcohol, strong tea, coffee, eat heavy food, as well as take sedatives, sedatives. The results are affected by the patient’s emotional state, physical fatigue, so it is better to conduct an ECG in the morning.
Removal Technique
Where is the ECG performed? At home or in a clinic? An electrocardiography device is equipped with ambulances and hospitals. It is allowed to take a heart rate at home by a doctor if the patient cannot independently come to a medical institution due to a state of health. The main thing during the procedure is to adhere to the algorithm for applying electrodes. Color sensors are placed on the ankles and wrists. The plates are mounted starting from the right hand, moving clockwise. In order to improve the signal and conductivity, wet wipes are placed under the plates, and the skin is previously degreased.
The electrodes are lubricated with a special gel and placed in a special way. They are placed at a short distance from each other, from the center of the chest to the left armpit. An ECG at home should be performed by a specialist. The doctor also evaluates the result. After removal, the electrocardiogram graphically displays a complex of teeth placed in a certain sequence. They are different in length, height, orientation. The device records four cardiac complexes in each assignment. Normally, the teeth of each cycle should not differ from each other by more than ten percent.
Stages
Where can I get an ECG in Moscow? Electrocardiography is a procedure available to absolutely all patients. You can check the heart and blood vessels using this method at any clinic, medical institution that provides free and paid services. ECG examination consists of several stages.
- Preparation. During the procedure, the patient should not have jewelry or metal objects. If a male patient has hair on his chest, it must be removed before the ECG, otherwise it will be impossible to attach electrodes.
- Installation of electrodes. Each of them is placed at a specific point on the body. For attachment, clips and suction cups are used.
- Connection to the device. It is important to connect the electrodes strictly in the given sequence. Red wire - to the right hand, yellow - to the left, green - to the left foot, black - to the right foot, white - to the chest.
- Lead fixation. All wiring should be attached according to the scheme.
Decoding of the results is carried out by a cardiologist or therapist. At the same time, it takes into account the heart rate, rhythm regularity, the presence of teeth, their height, size, polarity, the presence of other elements on the cardiogram. If any violations are detected, additional studies and therapeutic treatment are prescribed.