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ECG Testing Labs in Broadway

ECG

ECG Testing Labs in Broadway

The increasing number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases underscores the critical need for prompt diagnosis and treatment. An ECG, also known as an Electrocardiogram or EKG, is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic test used to assess the electrical signals of the heart. It records the heartbeat and its rhythm, providing valuable insights about your heart health. ECG machines are available in hospitals, medical offices, operating rooms and also in an ambulance. Nowadays, some personal devices, like smartwatches, can also do simple ECGs. 

During an ECG, temporary electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed on the skin, typically on the chest, arms, and legs, which monitor, detect, and transmit the heart's electrical signals to an ECG machine for interpretation. This machine translates and prints the information in the form of wave patterns consisting of P, Q, R, S, and T waves, which reflect different phases of the cardiac cycle. Impulses show how fast the heart is beating, the rhythm of the heart beats (steady or irregular), and the timing of the electrical impulses as they move through the different parts of the heart. Any changes in the ECG could be a sign of heart-related conditions. Our highly skilled clinicians at Manipal Hospitals in Broadway, Kolkata, are well-trained in reading and interpreting results from ECG records to diagnose various cardiac conditions. Being a painless and quick test, this serves as a fundamental tool in cardiology for routine screenings and during emergencies, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions.

Consult our cardiologists if you need ECG Testing in Broadway Kolkata.

An ECG or Electrocardiogram is a simple, non-invasive procedure that records heart rate and its rhythms. ECG is done to look for or check for known heart conditions or determine how healthy the heart is before or after surgery.

FAQ's

An ECG test is recommended to assess various cardiac conditions:

  • Irregular heart rhythm in case of arrhythmias

  • Heart attack, heart damage or heart failure

  • Test the fitness of your heart for an upcoming surgery

  • Structural abnormalities of the heart, such as heart chamber enlargement

  • Poor blood flow to the heart muscle in case of myocardial ischemia

  • Electrolyte balance

  • Checking the working of implanted pacemaker

  • Working of heart after a heart attack

  • Checking how well heart medicines are working

  • Baseline tracing of the heart's function during a physical exam, which can be compared with future ECGs.

A doctor may also advise an ECG test to find the cause of some heart-related symptoms such as chest pain, severe tiredness, a fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, or a skip or flutter in your heartbeat.
 

Operating an ECG machine is a simple process, but it requires specialised training and expertise to interpret the results. Trained nurses, technicians, physicians, or cardiologists will perform this test in a hospital setting or at an outpatient facility. In emergencies, it may also be done in an ambulance or operating room. 

This simple, quick, and, non-invasive procedure will take around 5 to 10 minutes to complete. However, the duration of the test may vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the patient's condition, the number of leads used, and the need for additional assessments.
 

It's advisable to wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed or allows easy access to your chest, arms, and legs, as electrodes will be attached to these areas. Avoid garments with metal elements, as they may interfere with the electrode placement or the ECG recording. Do not apply any oily or greasy skin creams or lotions on the day of the test.
 

  • You do not need to do anything special to prepare for an ECG test.

  • Our healthcare provider will explain the test to you and address any questions or concerns that you may have.

  • Fasting is generally not required for this test.

  • Inform the healthcare team about all medications you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. 

  • Some medicines may interfere with the test results.

  • Also, inform the provider if you have a pacemaker.

  • Depending on your medical condition, your provider may require additional, specific preparations.

  • Before undergoing an electrocardiogram, you might need to wear a hospital gown.

  • Our healthcare team member may shave hair in the electrode patch area to enhance patch adhesion.

  • You will need to lie down on an examination table or bed when you're prepared for the procedure.

  • You will be asked to remove accessories, belts, purses, or ornaments for the test.

  • During the test, the provider will attach up to 12 sticky patches, known as electrodes, on the chest and sometimes on the arms or legs.

  • Wires connect these patches to a computer, which prints or displays the results.

  • The results are presented as waves, representing the signals transmitted through the heart during each heartbeat.

  • During the test, it's important to breathe normally but remain still and refrain from talking, as movement can disrupt the accuracy of the results. 

  • The electrodes will stay until the test is completed.

  • Once the test is completed, the sticky electrodes will be removed, and you can go back home unless there is a heart problem that needs immediate treatment.

  • You will not need special care after the ECG test unless the doctor provides such instructions, depending on your condition.

  • Inform your provider about any chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, or other symptoms you experienced before the ECG.

After the ECG test is completed, the healthcare professional will assess the different heart signal patterns, which provide information regarding your heart’s health. These are:

  • Heart rate: An unusually fast heart rate indicates tachycardia, while a slow heart rate indicates bradycardia.

  • Heart rhythm: Irregular heart rhythms called arrhythmias indicate atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

  • Heart attack: Current or previous heart attacks can be diagnosed, and which part of the heart is damaged can be known.

  • Blood and oxygen supply to the heart: It helps in accessing the cause of symptoms such as chest pain, which may be due to reduced blood flow to the heart.

  • Heart structure changes: It helps to assess enlarged hearts, congenital heart defects, and other heart conditions.

Depending on your ECG test results, the doctor may suggest further testing or immediate treatment that may be needed. In cases of emergencies, the test results may be provided right away, or they may be shared the next day and discussed at your next appointment.
 

ECG tests are generally safe and carry minimal risks, as no radiation or electricity is put into the skin. There may be a slight skin irritation or rash where the electrodes are placed, but this is rare too. Removing these patches can make you feel a little uncomfortable for some time. However, certain medical conditions or implanted devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators may carry certain risks, so inform the healthcare provider of everything related to your health beforehand.

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