Patients always ask: Why does the doctor require an electrocardiogram every time they go for a physical examination or visit a cardiologist? What is the use of electrocardiogram? Next, we will introduce the relevant knowledge of electrocardiogram to everyone.
1、 What is an electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram is a technique that uses an electrocardiograph to record the electrical activity changes of the heart during each cardiac cycle from the surface of the body. It mainly reflects the electrical activity of the heart, and therefore has definite value in the diagnosis and analysis of various arrhythmias and conduction blocks.
2、 Types of electrocardiograms
1. Routine electrocardiograms
The simplest, fastest, and most economical. You can understand the electrocardiogram situation at that time and determine whether there is myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, or arrhythmia. The defect is that if the disease has not yet occurred or has just passed, it cannot reflect the actual situation of the disease.
2. Dynamic electrocardiogram
For patients who have already arrived at the hospital, or have frequent episodes while working or walking, and whose electrocardiogram cannot detect problems frequently, dynamic electrocardiogram is a better choice. Because this type of electrocardiogram can record your electrocardiogram for 24 hours, 48 hours, or even longer, it can reflect your electrocardiogram situation throughout the day and night, and has a higher diagnostic rate for diseases than conventional electrocardiograms.
3、 The significance of electrocardiogram examination
1. It can identify diseases that are not easily detected in daily life, such as arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, conduction block, etc.
During acute myocardial infarction, electrocardiogram can determine the location, extent, severity, and disease development stage of the myocardial infarction.
3. Determine the impact of medication or electrolyte levels on the heart. Patients with atrial fibrillation must undergo regular electrocardiogram monitoring of QT interval when taking amiodarone medication.
4. Determine the working condition of the artificial heart pacemaker. Patients with artificial pacemakers can determine the working condition of the pacemaker through electrocardiogram.
5. Preoperative assessment of the patient's cardiac condition to understand cardiac function.
4、 Who needs regular electrocardiogram check ups?
1. The general population who undergo annual health check ups.
2. Sub healthy individuals who frequently stay up late and lack exercise for a long time.
3. Suspected patients with hypertension or poor blood pressure control.
4. People who experience discomfort such as palpitations, palpitations, and shortness of breath.
5. People with symptoms such as chest tightness, chest pain, and fainting.
6. Patients with heart disease.
5、 What should be noted when doing an electrocardiogram examination? The electrocardiogram records the curve of the potential difference caused by the activity of the electrocardiogram over time. The electrocardiogram signal is easily interfered with. The following points should be noted when doing an electrocardiogram examination:
1. Before the examination, do not overeat, eat cold drinks, or smoke, and rest quietly for 20 minutes; It is also not advisable to fast on an empty stomach to avoid low blood sugar that can cause rapid heartbeat. These factors can lead to abnormal electrocardiograms, which can affect the diagnosis of diseases.
2. Wear loose and comfortable clothes, do not wear tight fitting clothes, jumpsuits, etc., and expose the wrists and ankles during the examination.
3. During the examination, maintain a relaxed state, do not move or change positions casually, breathe calmly, and keep quiet.
If chronic patients take medication, they should explain the situation to the doctor in advance.
In summary, electrocardiogram (ECG) is a widely used routine examination in clinical practice, which can be used for physical examination and disease diagnosis. It can accurately determine the beating frequency and rhythm of the heart, whether there is myocardial ischemia, and assess the risk of other diseases and surgeries. Moreover, ECG is non-invasive, economical, and convenient, making it the preferred type of examination for various projects.