Electrocardiogram (ECG) - Dr Nima Rudd Cardiologist
Dr Rudd Cardiology
An ECG records the electrical signals in your heart. It’s a common and painless test used to quickly detect heart problems and monitor your heart’s health.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – are done in Dr Rudd Cardiology in Templestowe, Boronia & Mildura
An ECG is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart problems in people of all ages. Dr Rudd may use an electrocardiogram to determine or detect:
- Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
- If blocked or narrowed arteries in your heart (coronary artery disease) are causing chest pain or a heart attack
- Whether you have had a previous heart attack
- How well certain heart disease treatments, such as a pacemaker, are working
You may need an ECG if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or confusion
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness, fatigue or a decline in ability to exercise
If you have a family history of heart disease, your doctor may suggest an electrocardiogram as a screening test, even if you have no symptoms.
If your symptoms tend to come and go, they may not be captured during a standard ECG recording. In this case your doctor may recommend remote or continuous ECG monitoring. There are several different types.
- Holter monitor. A Holter monitor is a small, wearable device that records a continuous ECG, usually for 24 to 48 hours.
- Event monitor. This portable device is similar to a Holter monitor, but it records only at certain times for a few minutes at a time. You can wear it longer than a Holter monitor, typically 30 days. You generally push a button when you feel symptoms. Some devices automatically record when an abnormal rhythm is detected.
Risks
An 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 your 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.
Getting familiar with ECG
An electrocardiogram is done by a nurse or technician at Dr Rudd Cardiology.
Before
If you have hair on the parts of your body where the electrodes will be placed, the technician may shave the hair so that the patches stick.
Once you’re ready, you’ll be asked to lie on an examining table or bed.
During
During an ECG, up to 12 sensors (electrodes) will be attached to your chest and limbs. The electrodes are sticky patches with wires that connect to a monitor. They record the electrical signals that make your heart beat. A computer records the information and displays it as waves on a monitor or on paper.
You can breathe normally 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 distort the test results. A standard ECG takes a few minutes.
After
You can resume your normal activities after your electrocardiogram.
Results
Dr Rudd will review the information recorded by the ECG machine and look for any problems with your heart, including:
- Heart rate. Normally, heart rate can be measured by checking your pulse. An ECG may be helpful if your pulse is difficult to feel or too fast or too irregular to count accurately. An ECGs can help Dr Rudd identify an unusually fast heart rate (tachycardia) or an unusually slow heart rate (bradycardia).
- Heart rhythm. An ECG can show heart rhythm irregularities (arrhythmias). These conditions may occur when any part of the heart’s electrical system malfunctions. In other cases, medications, such as beta blockers, cocaine, amphetamines, and over-the-counter cold and allergy drugs, can trigger arrhythmias.
- Heart attack. An ECG can show evidence of a previous heart attack or one that’s in progress. The patterns on the ECG may indicate which part of your heart has been damaged, as well as the extent of the damage.
- Inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the heart. An ECG done while you’re having symptoms can help Dr Rudd determine whether chest pain is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, such as with the chest pain of unstable angina.
- Structural abnormalities. An ECG can provide clues about enlargement of the chambers or walls of the heart, heart defects and other heart problems.
If Dr Rudd finds any problems on your ECG, he may order additional tests to see if treatment is necessary.