What is an EKG (Electrocardiogram)?
An electrocardiogram or EKG is a test to evaluate heart health, including knowing and measuring whether a person's heartbeat is normal or not. This EKG test is carried out using an electric impulse detection machine called an electrocardiograph. The machine will translate the heart's electrical activity into a graph that will be displayed on the screen.
When does someone need to do an EKG test?
An EKG test needs to be done if a person has experienced various symptoms of heart disease such as palpitations, irregular heart rhythm, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and feeling weak. In addition, an EKG test also needs to be done specifically for people who have or are at risk of experiencing heart rhythm disturbances, blockages or narrowing of the heart arteries, heart defects, and have a history of heart attacks.
ECG types
The EKG test is divided into several types based on the condition of each patient. The following types of EKG tests:
- Standard ECG
The standard EKG is one of the most commonly used medical studies in the assessment of cardiovascular disease. It is the most important test for interpretation of cardiac rhythm, detection of myocardial ischemia and infarction, conduction system disorders, preexcitation, long QT syndrome, atrial abnormalities, ventricular hypertrophy, pericarditis, and other conditions.
In a conventional standard ECG, ten electrodes are placed on the patient's limbs and on the surface of the chest. The overall magnitude of the heart's electrical potential is then measured from twelve different angles ("leads") and recorded over a period of time (usually ten seconds). In this way, the overall magnitude and direction of the heart's electrical depolarization is captured at all times throughout the cardiac cycle.
- Stress Test
Exercise stress test, also called cardiac stress test, exercise EKG or stress test, is used to assess the heart's range of capabilities.
In this examination the patient performs activities such as static cycling or a treadmill . While recording the EKG, the doctor will record and analyze heart activity.
- Holter Monitors
A Holter monitor, also known as a portable EKG, is used to check the electrical activity of the heart for one to two days for 24 hours. This type of ECG is usually recommended by doctors if the patient is suspected of having certain conditions, such as heart rhythm disturbances.
- Event Recorder
If the patient experiences symptoms that often come and go, the doctor will suggest this type of EKG test. When the record button is pressed , the machine will record and store all electrical activity in the heart for several minutes. This tool must be installed continuously for up to one month. The patient must remember to press the recorder every time a symptom appears.
ECG procedure
- Preparation before doing an EKG
- Make sure there are no obstructions in the chest area where the electrodes will be attached
- Removing jewelry, watches or other metal objects attached to the body
- Wearing clothes that are easy to remove (button shirts or t-shirts)
- ECG device installation procedure
- The medical staff will place electrodes on the skin of the chest, arms, and legs
- The electrodes that have been attached have an electric cable that is connected to the EKG machine and the patient's heartbeat will be recorded through the machine
- The graphical EKG results will appear on the screen. The graph shows whether the patient's heartbeat rhythm is normal or not
- After that, the doctor will analyze the EKG results.
- Treatment after performing an ECG
Generally, the EKG test only takes a few minutes. If the test results will be concluded by the examining doctor and determined whether further examination or further management is needed. Stay healthy by managing your diet and exercising actively to keep your body and heart healthy. #LiveExcellently
This article was reviewed by dr. Ina Nadia, Sp.JP, FIHA (Cardiologist and Blood Vessel Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).