ECG

ECG test in Begur

An electrocardiogram (ECG) test is conducted to note down the electrical response of the heart when it contracts using a machine to find out whether there are any abnormalities or deviations from a normally functioning heart. The device used to run this test is called an electrocardiograph.

This device measures the electrical activity of the heart, the rate and rhythm of heartbeats, as well as the position and size of heart chambers. The data generated during the procedure's 10-15 minutes is then displayed on a screen and printed for later reference. A medical practitioner or a cardiologist then reads and interprets the data and pinpoints any defects or deviations. 

If a person is diagnosed with the following symptoms, then a doctor would recommend an ECG test to investigate the problems and come up with solutions.

• Chest ache accompanied by pain on the left side of the body

• Breathlessness

• Dizziness

• Irregular heartbeats or palpitations

A doctor may also suggest ECG if the person is an active smoker, has obesity, cholesterol, high blood pressure or if there is a family history of heart diseases. 

Procedure

The ECG procedure is completely safe and pain-free. One doesn't have to restrict food or water consumption before the test. However, one must avoid smoking at least for a week before the procedure is conducted. The patient is asked to remove his upper clothing, and an easily openable gown is offered in its place. The patient is asked to lie down gently, and small electrical sensors ( electrodes) with sticky paper are attached to the chest, arms, ankles, and wrists. The ECG test in Begur works best when the areas enlisted are free from any lotions and oils and also shaved clean, as hair makes transmitting electrical signals a little difficult. After a brief moment, the electrical signals so generated are measured and recorded in the form of graphs and waves through an electrocardiograph.

Types of ECGs

1. A resting ECG - Here, one must lie in a comfortable position and avoid any movements.

2. A stress or an exercise ECG - This test is run when the patient uses a treadmill or exercise bike. This procedure may take about 15-25 minutes.

3. An ambulatory ECG (sometimes called a Holter monitor) - A portable device is attached to one's waist to record and monitor heartbeats. This device must be worn for at least 24 hours to get a detailed report on heart functioning.

An exercise ECG is conducted when the symptoms get triggered during physical activity. At the same time, an ambulatory ECG is prescribed when the symptoms are irregular and not detectable in the type 1 ECG test.

The ECG is a completely safe procedure with no known risks as It does not send electric current to the body. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to the electrodes, which can cause local skin reddening.

Post Test

The doctor can immediately provide the test results and analyse and interpret the data on the spot if the patient submits the correct medical history, symptoms, and examination.

Echo

An echocardiogram makes use of high-frequency ultrasonic soundwaves to diagnose any problems related to the heart. The soundwaves are bounced back, which helps to generate a picture of the heart area and surrounding blood vessels that a medical practitioner can view. The medical practitioner then interprets the images to identify possible damages in heart chambers, heart lining, blockages, or ruptured arteries, which will help him draft a proper treatment. This test portrays the mechanical functioning of a heart, unlike ECG tests which are run to determine the electrical functioning of the heart.

A doctor may suggest this test to, 

• find out problems of the heart

• to monitor heart disease over time

• see if the treatments are effective

The type of Echo test run differs from person to person depending on the information provided and its suitability for a person

 1. Transthoracic Echocardiogram

This type of echocardiogram test 

• The patient will be asked to unbutton the shirt, lie gently on the table, and comfortably position himself on his left side.

• A sonographer attaches electrode patches to standard areas of the body to determine electrical signals generated from the heart on an EKG device.

• He then applies gel to the ends of a handheld device called a transducer to generate cleaner pictures and moves it across the upper body. 

• This is just like an x-ray, but the ultra-sounds will create pictures and sounds without radiation.

2. Transesophageal Echocardiogram

If the doctor wishes to view detailed and clearer pictures, which are not possible in a standard Transthoracic echocardiogram, then the doctor will recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram.

• This process starts by placing a blood pressure cuff on your arm and a pulse oximeter on your finger. 

• Then electrode patches are attached to the required areas of the body

• To ensure a pain-free test, the doctor will give the patient a solution that will numb their throat 

• Then a flexible tube with an integrated transducer will glide down your food pipe to get images of the heart and surrounding valves through sound waves

• Then the tube will be removed, and the doctor will review the pictures to locate the affected areas.

3. Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

This resembles traditional Stress ECG, but it further utilises echo imaging to view minute details of heart movement .it involves the following steps.

• The sonographer will place electrodes on the body and connect them to an EKG monitor.

• The individual will be asked to lie down so the sonographer can take pictures of the heart and surrounding areas with a transducer.

• Then the individual will be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike for about 7-12 minutes. 

• Then the exhausted individual will be asked to stop the movement, and readings will be again taken with the help of echo testing.

• Then the person will be questioned on how he is feeling and be advised to relax until his or her vitals return to normal. 

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