OverviewAn electrocardiogram records the electrical signals in the heart. It's a common and painless test used to quickly detect heart problems and monitor the heart's health. Show
An electrocardiogram — also called ECG or EKG — is often done in a health care provider's office, a clinic or a hospital room. ECG machines are standard equipment in operating rooms and ambulances. Some personal devices, such as smartwatches, offer ECG monitoring. Ask your health care provider if this is an option for you. Types
Why it's doneAn electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart problems. A health care provider might use an electrocardiogram to determine or detect:
You may need an ECG if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:
The American Heart Association doesn't recommend using electrocardiograms to assess adults at low risk who don't have symptoms. But if you have a family history of heart disease, your health care provider might suggest an electrocardiogram as a screening test, even if you have no symptoms. If symptoms tend to come and go, they may not be detected during a standard ECG recording. A health care provider might recommend remote or continuous ECG monitoring. There are several different types.
A person receives an ECG while on a helicopter for medical transport. More Information
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email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. RisksAn electrocardiogram is a safe procedure. There is no risk of electrical shock during the test because the electrodes used do not produce electricity. The electrodes only record the electrical activity of the heart. You may have minor discomfort, similar to removing a bandage, when the electrodes are removed. Some people develop a slight rash where the patches were placed. How you prepareNo special preparations are necessary for a standard electrocardiogram. Tell your health care provider about any medications and supplements you take. These can often affect the results of an ECG. What you can expectAn electrocardiogram can be done in a health care provider's office or hospital. BeforeYou may be asked to change into a hospital gown. If you have hair on the parts of your body where the electrodes will be placed, the care provider may shave the hair so that the patches stick. Once you're ready, you'll typically be asked to lie on an examining table or bed. DuringDuring an ECG, up to 12 sensors (electrodes) are attached to the chest and limbs. The electrodes are sticky patches with wires that connect to a monitor. They record the electrical signals that make the heart beat. A computer records the information and displays it as waves on a monitor or on paper. You can breathe during the test, but you will need to lie still. Make sure you're warm and ready to lie still. Moving, talking or shivering may interfere with the test results. A standard ECG takes a few minutes. AfterYou can typically return to your usual activities after your electrocardiogram. ResultsYour health care provider might discuss results with you the same day as your electrocardiogram or at your next appointment. ECG results can give a health care provider details about the following:
If results show a heart rhythm problem, you may need another ECG or other test, such as an echocardiogram. Treatment depends on what's causing your signs and symptoms. Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. What is the primary reason for continuous 4 lead ECG monitoring?The purpose of ECG monitoring is to “monitor” a patient's heart rhythm and detect changes that could be life-threatening.
Why continuous ECG monitoring is important?The goal of continuous ECG monitoring is to aid in: (a) immediate recognition of sudden cardiac arrest to improve time to defibrillation; (b) recognize deteriorating conditions such as early after-depolarizations or nonsustained arrhythmias that may lead to a life-threatening arrhythmia; (c) facilitate management of ...
What leads are most used for continuous monitoring and why?(2) Most commonly monitored leads are either Lead II or the modified chest lead 1 (MCL1), (3) Lead II is used more frequently because most of the heart's electrical current flows toward its positive axis. This lead gives the best view of the ECG waves and best shows the heart's conduction system's activity.
Which leads are commonly used for continuous ECG monitoring?CS5 lead popular in operating rooms has the right arm electrode placed below the right clavicle and left arm electrode placed at V5 location while the left leg electrode acts as ground electrode [2]. Lead selector is at lead I. CS5 is useful in detection of anterior wall myocardial ischemia.
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