Unlocking the Heart's Rhythm - Exploring the Wonders of ECG and EKG Technology

Introduction

An electrocardiogram or electrocardiography is the obtainment of the electrical activity of the heart of the cardiovascular structures, especially the heart. An electrocardiogram is considered one of the most widely used and commonly suggested cardiovascular imaging tests. In addition, an electrocardiogram aids the healthcare provider in having a deep look into the blood vessels. The tip of the electrocardiogram sends waves that reflect after bouncing on the organ's surface. A particular variety of probes that includes an obtainment of the electrical activity of the heart device at its end is used during a transesophageal electrocardiogram. This specialized tip is passed down the esophagus of the patient. With the help of a transesophageal electrocardiogram, a Doppler study can also be recorded, leading to a clear-cut diagnosis and better treatment and management strategies for the healthcare professional and team.

When Is an Electrocardiogram Suggests?

An electrocardiogram is a special and unique kind of procurement of the electrical activity of the heart that is suggested in routine cardiovascular consultations. Generally, it is a scheduled procedure, but at the time, if required, an emergency electrocardiogram may also be done. ECG and EKG point to the same thing- electrocardiogram or electro refers to the obtainment of the electrical activity of the heart done of the heart.

Mentioned below are a few cardiac conditions that suggest a patient may require an electrocardiogram for further understanding of the underlying disease.

• Evaluation of heart valves.

• Locating blood clots.

• Treatment for the abnormal rhythm of the heart.

• Before cardioversion.

• Produce a moving image of the heart.

• Atherosclerosis.

• Cardiomyopathy (a disease that affects the heart muscle, leading to abnormal functioning of the heart).

• Heart failure.

• Cardiac aneurysm.

• Valvular heart failure.

• Rheumatic heart disease.

• Tumor lesions in the cardiovascular system.

• Pericarditis.

• Aortic dissection.

• Evaluation of stroke.

• Congenital heart disorder.

• To study the arteries of the heart.

• Pericardiocentesis.

• Myocardial infarction.

• Before placing an inferior vena cava filter.

• Cardiac tamponade.

• Cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

• Foreign body in the heart.

What Are the Risks of an Electrocardiogram?

Every medical procedure has some amount of risk involved. However, performing the process with a lot of patience and experience are the two factors that will keep any kind of risk or complication at bay.

Mentioned below are a few risks the patient may be exposed to while undergoing an electrocardiogram.

• Breathing problems.

• Heart rhythm problems.

• Bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Procedure of an Electrocardiogram?

An electrocardiogram, being a scheduled procedure, requires a little preparation from the patient's end.

Mentioned below are a few of the procedure preparations for an electrocardiogram that must be considered before an electrocardiogram.

• The respective healthcare provider will explain the entire procedure of an electrocardiogram in great detail.

• The patient is free to ask any kind of question or query about the procedure before, after, or during the process.

• Generally, a medical consent form is signed after the patient reads the document thoroughly.

• Fasting before an electrocardiogram varies from patient to patient and from case to case, where the healthcare provider is the best person to decide how long to fast and if fasting is required for the particular patient or not.

• Patients who are perhaps pregnant or are planning to get pregnant must inform the healthcare provider regarding the same.

• A known allergy to latex and Lidocaine or any kind of drug such as local anesthetic.

• The patient is also expected to describe any medications or herbal supplements they are on.

• The presence of any underlying medical disease, especially those related to the blood and cardiovascular system, must be informed to the doctor along with all the medical history.

• Tests such as clotting time, called CT, and bleeding time, called BT, may be suggested before the Electrocardiography.

What Happens During Electrocardiogram?

The procedure of an electrocardiogram is explained in great detail to the patient and the family members of the patient before the beginning of the process.

• Patients are requested to remove any kind of metal or accessories before the procedure and are supposed to change into a unique electrocardiogram gown for ease of process to the medical representatives.

• The bladder and bowel systems of the patient must be empty, and patients must inform the healthcare provider if they feel an urge to use the restroom.

• An intravenous line or IV cannula is inserted in the selected vein of the arm, and the patient is supposed to sleep flat.

• The ECG machine or the electrocardiogram monitor will record all the electrical changes and activity of the heart muscles and replicate the same through electrodes that are adhered to the patient's chest.

• During the entire electrocardiogram procedure, the patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation levels, and breathing rate, are continually evaluated.

What Happens After an Electrocardiogram?

Once an electrocardiogram is completed, the patient is transferred to another room called the recovery room. The patient is looked after by a team of nurses and the section of the healthcare provider. A group of cardiologists will monitor all the vital signs, including several aspects of the cardiovascular system. Most patients are generally discharged on the same day of the scheduled procedure. Still, if there is a need for a more urgent treatment strategy, the patient is suggested to stay back for further testing and management plans by discussing with the specialist.

Conclusion

Electro, widely known as an electrocardiogram, is the same as ECG or EKG, where the cardiovascular system of the patient, mainly the heart, is observed and checked for several disease factors. The procedure is always scheduled and will take approximately two hours to complete, based on the cooperation and condition of the patient. In cases of extreme emergency, an electrocardiogram may not be scheduled and is conducted during consultations. Post the procedure, the patient is not asked to drive back home and must have an attendee for the same. The results are discussed with the patient, and a treatment modality is laid down. The patient may also be asked to follow a diet plan that restricts a high amount of sodium and cholesterol.