Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG, abbreviated from the German Elektrokardiogramm) is a graphic produced by an electrocardiograph, which records the electrical voltage in the heart in the form of a continuous strip graph. It is the prime tool in cardiac electrophysiology, and has a prime function in screening and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.

Uses

The ECG has a wide array of uses:

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

• Determine whether the heart is performing normally or suffering from abnormalities (eg. extra or skipped heartbeats - cardiac arrhythmia).
• May indicate acute or previous damage to heart muscle (heart attack) or ischaemia of heart muscle (angina).
• Can be used for detecting potassium, calcium, magnesium and other electrolyte disturbances.
• Allows the detection of conduction abnormalities (heart blocks and bundle branch blocks).
• As a screening tool for ischaemic heart disease during an exercise tolerance test.
• Can provide information on the physical condition of the heart (eg: left ventricular hypertrophy, mitral stenosis).
• Can suggest non-cardiac disease (e.g. pulmonary embolism, hypothermia)