ECG With Report

Function of the ECG

An Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on the skin. These electrodes detect the tiny electrical changes on the skin that arise from the heart muscle's electrophysiologic pattern of depolarizing and repolarizing during each heartbeat. It is the gold standard for diagnosing cardiac rhythms and provides essential information about the heart's structure and function.

Why it is Ordered

Physicians order an ECG to investigate symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting. It is also used as part of routine physical exams, pre-operative screening, or to monitor the effectiveness of heart medications and pacemakers. Specifically, it helps in identifying:

• Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats like Atrial Fibrillation (AFib).
• Myocardial Infarction: Evidence of a current or previous heart attack.
• Structural Abnormalities: Enlargement of heart chambers (hypertrophy).
• Electrolyte Imbalances: Changes in potassium or calcium that affect heart rhythm.

Associated Conditions

A formal ECG report interprets specific waveforms: the P-wave (atrial contraction), the QRS complex (ventricular contraction), and the T-wave (ventricular recovery). Abnormalities in these intervals (like a prolonged QT interval) can indicate a high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Chronic conditions like hypertension often lead to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), which is frequently visible on an ECG. It is also vital for diagnosing Pericarditis or Pulmonary Embolism, which may show specific patterns like S1Q3T3.