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ECG

ECG

The heart generates electrical impulses that trigger contractions, allowing it to pump blood throughout the body. These electrical impulses are detected by electrodes placed on the skin and recorded by the ECG machine. The standard ECG involves placing 10 electrodes on the patient's body: one on each limb and six across the chest. These electrodes capture the electrical signals from different angles, producing a comprehensive picture of the heart’s electrical activity.

The ECG Procedure

  • Preparation : The patient is asked to lie down and relax. The technician may clean the areas where electrodes will be placed to ensure good contact with the skin.
  • Electrode Placement : Electrodes are attached to the patient's limbs and chest.
  • Recording : The patient remains still while the ECG machine records the heart’s electrical activity. The process typically takes a few minutes.
  • Completion : Once the recording is done, the electrodes are removed, and the ECG tracing is analyzed.

Understanding the ECG Tracing

An ECG tracing consists of several key components, each representing different phases of the heart's electrical cycle:

  • P Wave : Represents atrial depolarization (contraction of the atria).
  • QRS Complex : Represents ventricular depolarization (contraction of the ventricles). It includes the Q wave, R wave, and S wave.
  • T Wave : Represents ventricular repolarization (recovery phase after contraction).
  • PR Interval : The time interval from the start of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex.
  • ST Segment : The flat section between the end of the S wave and the start of the T wave.
  • QT Interval : The time interval from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave.
  • QT Interval : The time interval from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave.

Common Uses of ECG

  • Diagnosis of Arrhythmias : Identifying irregular heartbeats.
  • Detection of Heart Attack : Identifying damage to the heart muscle.
  • Monitoring Heart Conditions : Checking the effectiveness of treatment for heart diseases.
  • Preoperative Assessment : Evaluating heart health before surgery.
  • General Health Check : As part of routine health examinations, especially for individuals with risk factors for heart disease.