What is an electrocardiogram?
An electrocardiogram (otherwise known as an ECG or EKG) is a painless test that is used to get information about the electrical activity of the heart, such as the rate and regularity of the heartbeat. The size and position of the heart chambers as well as any damage to the heart can also be obtained through an ECG. If you use an implanted device, like a pacemaker, its effect on the heart can also be studied through the results of this test. Why do doctors use ECG's?
ECG is sometimes the only method of detecting irregularities in heart rhythm -- such as atrial fibrillation -- that can lead to the forming of blood clots that can later get flow to the brain. These blood clots can cause stroke by forming in the heart, coming loose and then getting lodged in a small artery of the brain. ECG is performed on every stroke patient as part of the routine evaluation. However, the test shows only a "snapshot" of the electrical activity of the heart (about 5 minutes), and other devices may be used to find irregularities that occur less frequently. What happens during an ECG?
You will be asked to lie down while the sites where the sticky electrodes will be attached are cleaned and shaven, if necessary. About 12 electrodes are attached to various parts of your body, six of which will be attached to the chest. The other six (called limb leads) will be attached accordingly: one on each arm, one on each leg, and two on the abdomen. You must usually lie still during the test, while holding your breath for short periods at a time. The test requires ten to 15 minutes to complete. What are the risks of ECG?
Since ECG is done without entering the body and does not use dyes or x-rays, there is no pain or risk associated with having an ECG. How does an ECG work?
The electrodes contain wires that can detect the electrical signals of the heart through the skin. These wires are connected to a machine that traces the heart rhythm on graph paper. Because the results are immediately known, your doctor will instantly know the basic vital signs of your heart.
If the ECG machine malfunctions you will need to redo the test. You can try unplugging the machine and replugging it to see if that resets the system.
It can be tested with something called an ecg simulator.
An ECG or EKG machine is a machine that allows the heart to be studied.The machine records the electrical activity with in the heart.ECG means Electyocardiograph
An ECG (Electrocardiogram), or an EKG (Elektrokardiogramm) works by measuring electrical potential between various points of the body using a galvanometer (a very sensitive voltage meter). -DJ Craig
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH
Virtual Machine
An ECG (Electrocardiography) machine.
an ecg machine
LEAD DISPLACEMENT
Willem Einthoven Invented the accurate ECG using Strings Galvonometer, but Alexander Muirhead made the first prototype.
To operate an ECG machine, first ensure the patient is in a comfortable position and has been prepared by cleaning the skin and applying electrodes to specific locations on the chest, limbs, and sometimes the back. Turn on the ECG machine and select the appropriate lead configuration for the test. Instruct the patient to remain still and relaxed while the machine records the electrical activity of the heart, which typically takes just a few minutes. Once completed, review the printed ECG tracing for any abnormalities and ensure proper documentation.
An ECG machine should be calibrated regularly, typically every six months, or whenever it undergoes maintenance or repairs. Additionally, calibration is necessary if there are any signs of malfunction or discrepancies in readings. It’s also advisable to calibrate the machine before use in critical situations to ensure accurate results. Regular calibration helps maintain the accuracy and reliability of the ECG readings.