How does ecg machine work

Learning to read an ECG and recognize these patterns takes months of training and practice. A tracing consists of repeated waves that have a standard shape. Different conditions are associated with changes in the height, width, and length of these waves, and the intervals between them.

A shortened QT interval, for example, can be a sign of elevated blood calcium levels. Your ECG report may have a description of the wave pattern but is unlikely to describe your heart condition in detail.

Your healthcare provider needs to take your symptoms and medical history into account when determining whether or not you could have a heart condition. Your healthcare provider will be able to explain your results to you. Among many things, an ECG can indicate:. While the ECG can make a clear diagnosis of some cardiac conditions , such as a cardiac arrhythmia, it is more often used as a screening test.

Therefore, abnormalities seen on the ECG often need to be followed by a more definitive test in order to make a firm diagnosis. For instance, If the ECG indicates possible coronary artery disease, a stress test or cardiac catheterization might be needed. If ventricular hypertrophy is seen, an echocardiogram is often needed to check for diseases such as aortic stenosis or other structural abnormalities. An electrocardiogram is a test performed by placing electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs to record the activity of the heart.

This test is used to detect an irregular heartbeat and damage to the heart muscle or tissue. An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to take a picture of the heart and is used to see how well the heart pumps blood and blood clots, among other things,.

Electrocardiograms are performed the same way regardless of sex. Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs, and the heart's electrical activity is recorded on a graph.

However, the results are interpreted differently in women due to the fact that women have a faster baseline heart rate and other differences in heart rhythm than men. Different conditions are associated with changes in the height, width, and length of these waves. If you have an ECG as a routine test or because you have symptoms, it is a good idea to let your healthcare providers know about any previous ECGs and save your tracings so that you can show them to your healthcare providers when you have subsequent tests.

This can allow your healthcare providers to compare and look for changes over time. Remember that this test is very common and your healthcare provider recommending it isn't a confirmation that there is a problem with your heart.

Did you know the most common forms of heart disease are largely preventable? Our guide will show you what puts you at risk, and how to take control of your heart health. Updated Jan 31, Kim W, Kim EJ. Heart failure as a risk factor for stroke. J Stroke. Electrocardiogram EKG and echocardiogram. Cleveland Clinic. Bansal A, Joshi R. Portable out-of-hospital electrocardiography: A review of current technologies.

Generally, fasting not eating is not required before the test. Tell your doctor of all medicines prescribed and over-the-counter , vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking. Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

What happens during an electrocardiogram? Generally, an ECG follows this process: You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the test. You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up. The technician will ensure your privacy by covering you with a sheet or gown and exposing only the necessary skin. You will lie flat on a table or bed for the test. It will be important for you to lie still and not talk during the ECG, so that you don't alter the tracing.

If your chest, arms, or legs are very hairy, the technician may shave or clip small patches of hair, as needed, so that the electrodes will stick closely to the skin.

Electrodes will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs. The lead wires will be attached to the electrodes. But if you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may suggest an electrocardiogram as a screening test, even if you have no symptoms. If your symptoms tend to come and go, they may not be captured during a standard ECG recording.

In this case your doctor may recommend remote or continuous ECG monitoring. There are several different types. An electrocardiogram is a safe procedure. There is no risk of electrical shock during the test because the electrodes used do not produce electricity. The electrodes only record the electrical activity of your heart. You may have minor discomfort, similar to removing a bandage, when the electrodes are removed.

Some people develop a slight rash where the patches were placed. No special preparations are necessary for a standard electrocardiogram. Tell your doctor about any medications and supplements you take. These can often affect the results of your test.

An electrocardiogram can be done in a doctor's office or hospital and is often done by a nurse or technician. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. If you have hair on the parts of your body where the electrodes will be placed, the technician may shave the hair so that the patches stick. During an ECG , up to 12 sensors electrodes will be attached to your chest and limbs. The electrodes are sticky patches with wires that connect to a monitor. They record the electrical signals that make your heart beat.

Share Your Story. ECG, also referred to as EKG, is the abbreviation of the word electrocardiogram — a heart test that tracks the electrical activity of your heart and records it on a moving paper or shows it as a moving line on a screen.