ECG

ECG: Electrocardiography as the Key to Heart Health

Electrocardiography (ECG) is one of the most common, simple, and informative methods for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. With the help of an ECG, the condition of the heart can be assessed, various disruptions in its function can be detected, and the development of serious diseases can be prevented. The procedure is based on registering the electrical activity of the heart, which reflects its rhythm, frequency, and conductivity.

ECG is the main method for diagnosing conditions such as arrhythmias, coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction, and many others. This method is widely used both routinely and in emergency situations.

How Does ECG Work?

The heart generates electrical impulses that initiate its contractions. These impulses spread through special conductive pathways, causing the rhythmic contraction of the atria and ventricles. The ECG machine captures these electrical signals through electrodes placed on the skin's surface and records them in the form of a graph.

The ECG recording provides the doctor with valuable information about:

• Heart rate (HR);
• Regularity of the heart rhythm;
• Conduction of electrical signals;
• Possible zones of ischemia or necrosis in the heart muscle.

Indications for ECG

ECG is prescribed both for preventive purposes and for diagnosing specific symptoms or diseases. The main indications include:

1. Prevention

• Regular examinations for patients over 40 years old;
• Screening for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking);
• Assessment of heart condition before surgery.

2. Diagnosing Symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort behind the sternum;
• Rapid or slow heartbeat;
• Shortness of breath during physical activity or at rest;
• Dizziness, weakness, or fainting;
• Swelling of the limbs due to heart failure.

3. Monitoring Condition

• Assessing the effectiveness of treatment for cardiovascular diseases;
• Monitoring the condition after a myocardial infarction;
• Diagnosing side effects of medications affecting heart function.

Types of ECG

Electrocardiography can be performed in various formats depending on the research goal and the patient's condition:

1. Standard ECG

This is a basic examination in which electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs. The procedure takes only a few minutes and provides an overall picture of the heart's condition.

2. Holter Monitoring

This is a 24-hour ECG recording that allows detection of rhythm disorders and ischemic changes that occur during the day. The patient wears a portable recorder that records the heart's electrical activity for 24-48 hours.

3. Stress Test (Exercise ECG)

This is conducted to assess the heart's performance during physical exertion (e.g., on a treadmill or cycle ergometer). The test helps detect hidden ischemia or problems with the heart's blood supply.

4. Telephonic ECG

This allows the patient to independently transmit ECG data to the doctor via phone or the internet. This is especially useful for individuals with chronic heart conditions.

Preparation for ECG

Preparation for the procedure is simple and requires following a few recommendations:

• Avoid physical activity an hour before the procedure;
• Do not consume coffee, strong tea, or alcohol on the day of the procedure;
• Try to remain calm and relaxed, as stress may affect the results;
• For convenience, wear clothes that are easy to remove, as electrodes are attached to the chest and limbs.

How is ECG Performed?

The ECG procedure is quick, safe, and painless:

1. Preparation: The patient lies on an examination table, and the doctor cleans the skin at the electrode attachment points to improve contact.
2. Electrode placement: Special electrodes are attached to the chest, arms, and legs.
3. Recording the signal: The ECG machine records the heart's electrical activity and displays it as a graph.
4. Completion: After the recording, the doctor removes the electrodes and provides the results.

The entire procedure takes 5-10 minutes.

Advantages of ECG

ECG is an important tool in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases due to its numerous advantages:

• Availability: The procedure can be performed in almost any medical clinic;
• Safety: The procedure has no side effects and is suitable for patients of all ages;
• Informative: ECG can detect many diseases in their early stages;
• Speed: The results of the examination are available almost immediately.

Conclusion

Electrocardiography is an integral part of diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. Due to its availability, safety, and informative value, ECG is used both for preventive checkups and for diagnosing serious diseases. Regular ECG testing helps detect heart problems at early stages and initiate timely treatment, which significantly reduces the risk of complications and improves the patient's quality of life.