An electrocardiogram (otherwise known as ECG or EKG) is a medical device that records the electrical signals in a human’s heart. It is a common and painless test used to quickly diagnose and detect heart problems and monitors the patient’s health. It is often in a healthcare provider’s office, clinic, or a hospital. However, this device is found on personal devices such as smartwatches, other medical operating rooms, and ambulances.
In an electrocardiogram, there are ten electrodes. Electrodes, which are small plastic patches that stick to the skin, are placed at certain places on the body–often on the chest, arms, and legs–and are connected to the ECG by lead wires. The electrical activity of the heart is then measured, interpreted, and printed out. A healthcare provider uses the printouts from the ECG to detect any irregularities and abnormalities in the heart. It records impulses to show how fast the heart is beating, the rhythm of the heartbeats, and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they move through the heart.
However, before medical professionals start interpreting and determining the problem, a thorough examination and basic observation of the patient's health records are done. To read an ECG, healthcare providers observe the patient’s details, situation details, rate, rhythm, axis, P-waves and P-A intervals, Q-waves and QRS complex, ST segment, QT interval, and T-waves.
A healthcare professional uses an electrocardiogram to determine/detect:
Arrhythmias: irregular heartbeats/rhythms
Blocked or narrow arteries in the heart (coronary artery disease) which might potentially lead to heart attacks
Any previous heart injuries or heart attacks
Heart’s health
Problems that may be heart-related such as tiredness or shortness of breathe
However, like many other medical devices, there are rare and few risks of electrocardiograms. ECG or EKG is quick and easy to access. Although a patient might not feel pain during the procedure or the examination, the stick electrodes are uncomfortable and can feel stuck when they are taken off. If the electrode patches are left for too long, they might cause tissue breakdown or skin irritation. Furthermore, not everyone can go through an ECG examination. People with obesity and pregnant women are often not permitted to go through this examination. Other factors include ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen) anatomical consideration, exercise or smoking before the test, and certain medications that may interfere with this procedure.
All in all, an electrocardiogram is an important medical advancement that can help the general public. Although these devices look bulky and could feel uncomfortable, the purpose of this said device is essential in detecting and determining different heart problems, which are often life-threatening.
Works Cited
Education, O. M. (2016). ECG (EKG) Interpretation. Oxford Medical Education. https://oxfordmedicaleducation.com/ecgs/ecg-interpretation/
Electrocardiogram. (2021, August 8). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) - Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 19). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ekg/about/pac-20384983#:~:text=An%20electrocardiogram%20(ECG%20or%20EKG,attached%20computer%20monitor%20or%20printer.