Why is ECG monitoring important & can it detect heart disease

In conjunction with other diagnostic procedures, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can help determine the presence and severity of heart problems.

Test subjects who have chest pain, palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeats), dizziness, or shortness of breath may benefit from this.

A person's risk for these conditions can be reduced with the aid of an electrocardiogram.

1. Heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) include slow, rapid, and irregular heartbeats.
2. CHD (coronary heart disease) - Where there is an obstruction of the heart's blood supply due to a build-up of fatty substances.
3. Arrests of the heart– Where there is an unexpected reduction in blood flow to the heart
4. Cardiac myopathy - Areas of the heart where the walls have thickened or expanded

An individual with known heart disease or taking medications that may affect the heart can be monitored using a series of ECGs performed at regular intervals.

Why is an ECG so helpful, exactly?

An electrocardiogram can detect and diagnose many different heart conditions. It's the gold standard for diagnosing and keeping tabs on cardiac disease. An ECG scan or long-term monitoring could be helpful if you have heart-related symptoms, a family history of heart disease, or a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.

Can an ECG detect a stroke?

Yes. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can reveal an existing heart condition, such as a previous heart attack or one that may develop into a stroke. Such an electrocardiogram would be considered abnormal. For example, ECG is widely used to confirm and monitor atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that leads to blood clots that can result in stroke.

Method of ECG

1. Before getting an ECG, there is no need to fast or limit fluid intake. Before getting an electrocardiogram (ECG), you should always tell your doctor about any drugs you're taking and any allergies to the adhesive tapes that may be used to attach the electrodes.
2. You'll need to undress completely to attach electrodes to your chest and arms during an ECG exam. Access to the chest may be improved by wearing a shirt with pants or a skirt.
3. An ECG should be performed on dry, oil-free skin for optimal results. Hair is removed from the chosen areas, if necessary, as this hinders the electrodes from making good contact with the skin.
4. To collect data, electrodes (sensors) are stuck to the chest, arms, and legs using adhesive gel. With the help of these electrodes, the electrocardiograph can measure and record the heart's electrical activity. There are three main categories of electrocardiograms:

An electrocardiogram is taken while the patient is at rest -

This kind of ECG is performed while the patient is lying flat. The test requires complete immobility because even the slightest movement could disrupt the heart's electrical impulses. The standard processing time for this kind of electrocardiogram is 5-10 minutes.

24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) -

An ambulatory or Holter electrocardiogram requires the patient to carry around a portable recording device for the duration of the test, often 24 hours. It won't restrict your mobility at all to have a monitor attached to you while you go about your day. Intermittent symptoms that do not appear on a resting electrocardiogram and patients recuperating from a heart attack may benefit from this type of ECG. To match your own experience with the ECG's findings, you keep a journal of your symptoms and the times at which they occur.

EST, or exercise stress test -

For this evaluation, exercise equipment, such as a stationary bike or treadmill, is used with an electrocardiogram (ECG) recording device. Typically, this kind of electrocardiogram takes between 15 and 30 minutes to do.

Is there a possibility of adverse effects?

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool. When it's being done, you won't be shocked.

It may hurt a little bit, like when you peel off a bandage or remove the electrodes from your skin, and some people develop a slight rash at the site where they were attached.

An exercise electrocardiogram is carried out in a clinical setting. If you start to feel unwell or exhibit any symptoms during the test, the person administering it will immediately stop it and seek medical attention for you.

Dr. Sarita Rao is a Top Cardiologist in Indore and is known for the treatment of Heart diseases in Madhya Pradesh. If you are looking for a Best cardiologist in Indore, then you must come to Apollo Hospitals because at Apollo Hospitals we provide the best Cardiologists in India.

For your appointment call us immediately on +91 9893925000 or visit the site - https://drsaritaraocardiologist.com/

Dr. Sarita Rao is a Sr. Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, Indore. She is the first female Interventional Cardiologist in Central India. She is Fellow of American College of Cardiology(FACC) and Fellow of European Society of Cardiology(