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Electrocardiography is a diagnostic method used to study the function of the heart and the cardiovascular system. The main advantages of the procedure are accessibility and information content. For its implementation, it is enough to have an apparatus and a specialist who knows the implementation methodology. Special conditions are not required – ECG is done in medical institutions of all levels. If necessary, an electrocardiographic study can be performed at home or in an ambulance.
Principle of operation
Electrocardiography is a graphic visualization of the functionality of the heart muscle. To perform the procedure, special equipment is used – an electrocardiograph. This equipment registers the currents that occur during relaxation and contraction of the heart muscle. The data obtained are displayed on a paper tape in the form of a special graph, which is called a cardiogram.
Since the ECG captures and displays the electrical currents that occur in the heart, consider the nature of the occurrence of an electrical impulse. Very complex biochemical processes continuously occur in the muscle cells of the heart. Their result is the formation of a large number of microcurrents, which are combined into a single impulse.
Electrocardiography allows you to display the dynamics of the electrical impulse that acts on the heart muscle and ensures its contraction. To obtain a more accurate and informative result of the study, the indicators are taken simultaneously from different parts of the heart muscle. The sensors of the device are attached to certain areas of the chest, wrists, ankles. The data are broadcast on the screen of the ECG machine in the form of 12 complex graphs and are simultaneously displayed on paper.
The duration of the study is 5-10 minutes. The information obtained during this period is quite enough to assess the function of the cardiovascular system.
Which specialist should be contacted
In order to undergo an ECG procedure, you can contact a local therapist and get the appropriate referral. The study itself is usually performed by a nurse who has completed special qualification courses. Electrocardiography is a simple diagnostic method, so the requirements for specialists performing it are minimal. Here, a certified doctor is engaged in deciphering the cardiogram, who must have the specialization of a cardiologist. Knowledge in this area will allow him to correctly assess the functionality of the heart muscle and issue an informative conclusion.
ECG indications
The attending physician may issue a referral for electrocardiography if there is a suspicion of pathological disorders of the heart. The procedure is preceded by a general examination of the patient, checking tests. With complaints of weakness, high blood pressure, dizziness, shortness of breath and pain in the chest area, there is a need to take an electrocardiogram. Patients with diabetes mellitus and overweight people are at risk for developing pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
Direct indications for an ECG are:
- instability of the heart rhythm;
- chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- suspected heart attack or heart failure;
- pathological changes in the structure of the heart muscle;
- circulatory disorders.
Features and types of ECG
There are several methods for conducting an ECG. Each type of diagnostics has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, if it is necessary to monitor the function of the heart muscle for a long period, a mobile device is used, which is fixed on the patient’s chest. The diagnostic period is 24 hours. During this time, the patient needs to follow the usual way of life – in this case, you can track the functions of the heart muscle during normal household activity. Such results are considered as informative and truthful as possible.
If the development of coronary heart disease is suspected, an ECG with exercise, physical or medication, is indicated. In some cases, electrical stimulation of the heart muscle is used as an additional load – for this, a special sensor is inserted into the patient’s esophagus.
If a standard electrocardiogram does not make it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis and identify the cause of cardiac dysfunction, it is possible to fix the heart rhythm through the esophagus. This method is recognized as more accurate, since the sensor is located at a minimum distance from the heart muscle.
Contra-indications and limitations
Electrocardiography is considered an absolutely safe diagnostic method that allows you to get the most information about the condition and function of the heart muscle. Among the shortcomings of the procedure, low information content in certain cases can be distinguished. For example, coronary heart disease is diagnosed exclusively with stress ECG. With extensive injuries and deformities of the chest, the accuracy of diagnosis is reduced.
Contraindications are available only for the ECG with stress. Physical and drug stress is contraindicated in patients with suspected aortic aneurysm dissection, severe heart failure, pathological cardiac arrhythmias, and infection in the body. If a person has recently suffered a myocardial infarction, only standard electrocardiography can be prescribed to him.
Preparation for research
Special preparation for the study is not required. However, the patient must be aware of what factors can distort the ECG results. For example, the abuse of strong tea or coffee, as well as smoking, negatively affect cardiac activity. As a result, an electrocardiogram can indicate the presence of pathologies that are actually absent. Therefore, during a routine examination 12 hours before the procedure, coffee and alcohol should be excluded, and the number of cigarettes smoked should be minimized.
Additionally, it should be borne in mind that when conducting an ECG, sensors are installed on the chest, ankles and wrists – it is advisable to choose clothes that allow you to expose these areas as quickly as possible. Throughout the procedure, the patient lies on his back, trying to remain still.