According to statistics, mortality due to heart disease is constantly increasing. The reasons are completely different. Someone has congenital heart problems, someone begins to suffer heartaches from adolescence, and someone in the prime of life suddenly has a heart attack, although there were no prerequisites for it. Therefore, for prevention 2 times a year, it is necessary to undergo an ECG of the heart. This is especially true for those who lead an incorrect and unhealthy lifestyle (monotonous diet, smoking, drugs and alcohol), which significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
An ECG examination of the heart must be performed with:
- diseases of a rheumatic nature;
- syphilis;
- diseases caused by high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis;
- congenital heart diseases;
- functional diseases.
The heart ECG is a medical test that monitors the electrical activity of the myocardium, marking every heart beat with a pointed line. By the frequency of the waves, including their appearance, a cardiologist will be able to diagnose heart disease. The procedure itself is quite simple and does not cause discomfort.
ECG of the heart does not require special preparation. However, attention must be paid to the fact that many drugs can alter the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take. On the day of the procedure, strong physical exertion should be avoided (at least 2 hours before it).
To conduct an ECG, the patient must lie on the couch, remove all jewelry from the neck, hands and wrists. Men, as a rule, expose the torso for the duration of the test. Women can leave a T-shirt or dress. If stockings are worn, they must be removed. One electrode is attached to the limbs, which are pre-lubricated with a special gel. Six electrodes are attached to the chest. After this, the patient needs to relax and lie down quietly for several seconds. At the end of the test, the doctor evaluates the results of the cardiogram and writes a conclusion. After examining the results of the electrocardiogram, the doctor prescribes treatment.
ECG of the heart shows the rhythm of cardiac activity. If there are any deviations or doubts about the accuracy of the results obtained, other checks and procedures will be prescribed (for a more detailed diagnosis of the disease).
With a more thorough study, an ECG is performed with a load. In this case, the electrodes are attached to the patient during exercise, and the study takes longer than usual. This type of examination should be prepared more seriously. Three hours before the procedure, it is recommended to refrain from eating food and water. The day before the electrocardiogram with a load, as directed by a doctor, it is worth stopping the use of certain drugs that stimulate the heart. An ECG with a load cannot be performed after exercise. The body should be rested and relaxed.
After the heart disease has been diagnosed and treatment has been carried out, it is necessary to repeat the ECG to determine the effectiveness of treatment and stability of the condition.