Understanding EKG in Medical Terms: A Comprehensive Explanation
What does ekg stand for in medical terms? EKG which is the electrocardiogram (EKG) is a quick, painless, non-invasive test with reliable results. Thus, it is possible to use it for various diagnoses.
The Electrocardiogram, Or ECG, Is Essential For Evaluating Cardiovascular Health.
Its name may sound complicated and even scary to some people. However, it is a simple and routine procedure that assesses whether the heartbeat rhythm is normal or altered. The doctor can use the exam to monitor treatments. As well as checking the effectiveness of pacemakers, identifying arrhythmias and possible obstructions in blood flow, and assessing whether the patient is in good condition to practice exercises. Therefore, in cardiocare, the ECG becomes ideal for identifying and preventing cardiac abnormalities.
How Is The ECG Done?
The electrocardiogram exam is quick – it takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete – painless and non-invasive. Therefore, it has almost no contraindications; anyone can take the test, including pregnant or breastfeeding women. The clinic and hospital only need a small device called a portable electrocardiograph.
During The Procedure
The patient is advised to rest for 5 minutes before the procedure so that external factors – such as physical exertion and the use of cigarettes, for example – do not alter the result. Also, he should be fasting, but it is not mandatory. Following these recommendations, the individual lies on the stretcher, chest up, so the responsible technician can apply the electrodes stuck to the skin of the patient’s arms, legs, and chest. Therefore, the region needs to be clean, degreased – and, if necessary, shaved – so that the electrodes can be fixed without major complications.
The professional generally applies a conductive gel to the skin to facilitate the capture of electrical stimuli from the heart or their repercussions. But be careful; if the person suffers from body tremors or has Parkinson’s syndrome, the electrocardiogram may not be the best option. Therefore, it is up to the doctor to decide what is best to do in these cases.
Through the electrodes connected to the electrocardiograph via wires, it is possible to record the electrical conductivity of the heart. The equipment’s software will transform this record and generate a graphic representation for each of these readings. After the exam, the device will print 12 different heart views.
The rhythm considered normal is between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but it is up to the cardiologist to interpret the reading, considering the size, duration of waves in each segment, cadence, and heart rate. Then, issue a diagnosis as a medical report, printed on A4 paper, sent via the internet, or saved on the computer.
What Is The ECG For?
It is an exam that combines a lot of usefulness and practicality. Therefore, the ECG is routinely used in emergency room triage and preventive checkups requested by the cardiologist. It is a procedure that can be requested both occasionally in emergency care and as a preventive measure, periodically, generally for patients over 40 years of age.
From it, a wide variety of complications can be diagnosed, whether they are cardiac, such as tachycardia and bradycardia (fast and slow heart rate, respectively), hypertrophy of the heart chambers (atria and ventricles), myocardial infarction, pericardial effusion or pneumothorax and even Chagas disease and genetic diseases as well as analyzing heart health when there are other comorbidities, such as high blood pressure or hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease.