Electrocardiogram (ECG)

ALTERNATIVE NAMES: 

EKG; electrocardiogram

DEFINITION: 

electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the cardiac chambers, any damage to the heart and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate (such as pacemakers). See also stress test and Holter monitoring 24 hours.

HOW DO THE TEST: 

You are asked to lie down, and electrodes are affixed to each arm, each leg and chest, for which it is sometimes necessary to clean the area, shaving or clipping hair. The standard number of leads attached is 12 to 15 for a diagnostic ECG, but can reach a minimum of 3 to 5, for a monitoring procedure.
Usually, the patient must lie still and hold your breath for short periods of time during the procedure. Sometimes, this test is performed while the person is exercising or under minimal stress, in order to monitor changes in the heart. This type of ECG is often called stress test.
The results are recorded on graph paper.

NORMAL VALUES: 
Heart rate: 50 to 100 beats per minute.
Rhythm: constant and uniform.
Significance of abnormal Top
Abnormal ECG results may indicate the following:
A defect of the myocardium (heart muscle)
Enlarged heart
birth Defects
Heart valve disease
Arrhythmias (abnormal rhythms)
Tachycardia or bradycardia (heart rate too fast or too slow)
Ectopic heartbeat
Coronary artery disease
Inflammation of the heart (myocarditis)
Changes in the amount of electrolytes (chemicals in the blood)
A previous heart attack
A heart attack in progress or imminent
Other conditions under which the test may be performed include:
alcoholic cardiomyopathy
anorexia nervosa
aortic dissection
aortic Insufficiency
aortic Stenosis
Flutter / fibrillation
others