Electrocardiogram

What is an electrocardiogram?

An electrocardiogram or ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart. E, C and G stand for Electro-Cardio-Gram. Below is an explanation of the electrocardiogram.

How is an electrocardiogram done? (Electrocardiogram explanation)

In electrocardiograms, electrodes are attached to the patient's chest, wrists and ankles. The electrodes measure electrical signals and record them on a paper or computer screen. Any abnormalities in the pattern of the waves are analyzed by physicians to identify possible signs of heart problems or heart disease. Below is an example of electrocardiograms images or an electrocardiogram tracing of a normal heart condition.

Types of electrocardiograms

Resting electrocardiograms

The most common type of electrocardiogram is a resting electrocardiogram or ECG. Resting electrocardiograms earn its name because this type of electrocardiogram is performed while the patient is lying down. Resting electrocardiogram is often part of a routine physical exam. How effective is the resting electrocardiogram? The answer is not very effective. Usually the resting electrocardiogram will not reveal anything unless your heart has a major damage.

Exercise electrocardiograms or Stress electrocardiograms

Exercise electrocardiograms are done when the patient is exercising such as walking or running on a treadmill with the electrodes attached to the chest. Exercise electrocardiograms are also called stress electrocardiograms because it tests the patient's heart during the stress of physical activity. Exercise electrocardiograms or stress electrocardiograms often reveal damages to the heart that are caused by narrowing arteries which in turn restrict the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle. Electrocardiograms or ECG are sometimes referred to as the Treadmill test.

Other tests similar to electrocardiograms

Some other tests include:

• the Thallium test
• Doppler ultrasonography test
• the MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
• the Echocardiogram, and
• Chest X ray