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Cardiography is a special procedure that includes a variety of ways to study the work of the heart.
One of the most common and most commonly used methods is electrocardiography, which allows you to record cardiac activity.
Cardiography provides an opportunity to assess the blood supply and conduction of the myocardium, as well as to fix changes in the size of the walls and cavities of the chambers of the heart, the presence of thickening of the heart muscle, and determine the heart rhythm. Electrocardiography allows you to determine changes in the balance of electrolytes, as well as damage to the myocardium by various toxins, the duration of a heart attack.
When do you need to undergo cardiography
There are a number of indications for performing cardiography: unpleasant and painful sensations in the chest, in the upper abdomen or back, the appearance of edema, rheumatism, diabetes, high blood pressure, after a stroke, heart attack; as an annual preventive examination; if the patient has heart murmurs that visualize when listening, with frequent fainting, shortness of breath; during the period of preparation for surgical interventions; during the period of medical examination to visit health facilities and sports sections; during pregnancy.
In addition to all of the above, cardiography is recommended for all people aged 40+ at least once a year, regardless of the presence or absence of complaints. Timely diagnosis allows you to identify heart disease in time and prevent serious complications.
Deciphering the electrocardiogram
This procedure should be performed by a qualified medical worker – a doctor of clinical diagnostics or a cardiologist, a therapist, who in the future will prescribe effective treatment.
Some of the terms that are indicated in the cardiogram, patients can understand themselves, among them:
EOS – this indicator helps to determine the location of the electrical axis, the heart muscle, the functionality of its departments. The electrocardiogram may indicate a horizontal or vertical position with a shift to the right / left.
Heart rate is a measure of the number of heartbeats. The norm is from 60 to 90 beats per minute. An increased heart rate is considered if it exceeds 91 beats per minute. An increased heart rate is called tachycardia, and a reduced one (less than 59 beats / minute) is called bradycardia.
Non-sinus rhythm is an indicator of cardiac pathology in which minor electrical signals are produced outside the sinus node. Usually a sign of atrial fibrillation (the old name is atrial fibrillation).
Regular sinus rhythm is an indicator of the normal functioning of the heart muscle.
Atrial flutter is one of the varieties of arrhythmia and needs urgent medical intervention.
Hypertrophy of the ventricle – shows a thickening of the walls of the ventricles or a change in their shape.
QT is an indicator of the conduction of the heart, with visualization of violations, frequent fainting can be observed and even lead to death.
Sinoatrial blockade – demonstrates violations of the conduction of impulses from the node to the atrium, often indicates the development of the following diseases: cardiosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, heart attack, myocardium.
Types of cardiographic studies
In addition to electrocardiography, cardiologists also practice other types of cardiographic studies, including:
- phonocardiography;
- magnetocardiography;
- coronary angiography.
Phonocardiography is the registration of tones and murmurs of the heart, which are visualized during the work of the heart muscle. This method is an analogue of the well-known procedure for examining a cardiologist with a phonendoscope, but at the same time it demonstrates a recording of a graphic and sound type. Phonocardiography is actively used in cardiology and therapy.
Magnetocardiography involves a non-contact study of the work of the heart by analyzing the magnetic field that the heart muscle produces during work. The technique determines the same deviations in health as electrocardiography. The technique is recommended for patients with intolerance or a ban on the use of electrodes, for example: patients in a cast.
Coronary angiography is a radiopaque technique that involves the introduction of a probe with a contrast agent through the coronary heart vessels. This is followed by a series of x-rays. As a result, the images visualize the presence or absence of coronary blood flow disorders (an indicator of the development of coronary artery disease).
Today, many world scientists and cardiologists are in search of faster, more accurate, simpler and more effective methods of cardioscopy. This problem occupies the first place among research activities, since cardiac pathologies are the most common cause of death among patients aged 40+.
Method for performing electrocardiography
For the procedure, the patient is comfortably placed in a horizontal position on the back. Special electrodes are attached to the chest, legs and arms. The device is started and the work of the heart is recorded. The duration of the procedure can vary from 1 to 10 minutes. The results obtained are transmitted to the doctor for interpretation and diagnosis.
Where can I get a cardiogram
The attending cardiologist or therapist issues a referral for a specific research method, which can be completed both in a specialized cardiology center and in a regional hospital or local clinic. This is a fairly simple equipment that is available in all health facilities.
How to prepare for cardiography
The procedure does not require preparation. Cardiography can be performed on a child during sleep. Additional studies before the procedure will be prescribed by the doctor, based on individual physical indicators. Most often it is a coagulogram, blood biochemistry, OAM, KLA.
In any case, a consultation with a doctor is required.