Frank VeresTech. Writing

Definition & Description

EKGElectrocardiograph

(Elektrokardiogramm )

ElectrocardiogramWhat is it???

• A test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart.

• Translates the heart's electrical activity into line tracings on paper.

Why is it done???

• Check the heart's electrical activity. • Find the cause of unexplained chest pain, which

could be caused by a heart attack, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

• Find the cause of symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or rapid, irregular heartbeats.

• Check how well medicines are working and whether they are causing side effects that affect the heart.

Anatomy of a Heart

Healthy EKG Wave

Composition of an EKG

• EKG paper is a grid where time is measured along the horizontal axis.

---Each small square is 1 mm in length and represents 0.04 seconds.

---Each larger square is 5 mm in length and represents 0.2 seconds.

• Voltage is measured along the vertical axis.

---10 mm is equal to 1mV in voltage.

Composition of an EKG

Each spike in the wave has it’s own letter, P, Q, R, S, and T waves. The Q,R,S section of the wave is the ventricular depolarization, or the blood in the heart is being pumped out. During the P and T waves is when the blood is brought back into the heart.

How is an EKG done???

• An electrocardiogram is usually done by a health professional, and the resulting EKG is interpreted by a doctor.

During an EKG…

• You will lie on a bed or table. Areas on your arms, legs, and chest where electrodes (small metal discs) will be placed are cleaned and may be shaved to provide a clean, smooth surface to attach the electrode discs. A special EKG paste or small pads soaked in alcohol may be placed between the electrodes and your skin to improve conduction of the electrical impulses, but in many cases disposable electrodes are used that do not require paste or alcohol.

During an EKG…Cont.

• You will be asked to lie very still and breathe normally during the test. Sometimes you may be asked to hold

your breath. You should not talk during the test.

Results and Risks

• The test is painless. There are no risks of having any problems while performing an electrocardiogram.

• No electricity passes through your body from the machine, and there is no danger of getting an electrical shock.

• The test usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

• Your doctor will look at the pattern of spikes and dips on your electrocardiogram to check the electrical activity in different parts of your heart.

• The heart beats in a regular rhythm, usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute for a normal result.

• Abnormal results include: heart beats too slow, less than 60 beats per min., heart beats too fast, faster than 100 beats per min, and irregular heart rhythm.

What Affects the Test??

• Not having the electrodes securely attached to your skin.

• Moving or talking during the test.

• Exercising before the test.

• Being anxious or breathing very deeply or rapidly.

EKG Summary

• EKG’s are painless and should be a part of your physical examination.

• Tests for problems with the electrical activity of your heart.

• An electrocardiogram cannot predict whether you will have a heart attack.

• Sometimes your EKG may look normal even when you have heart disease. For this reason, the EKG should always be interpreted along with your symptoms, history, physical examination, and, if necessary, other test results.