An ECG (electrocardiogram) shows the electrical activity of your heart. It records the heart's electrical signals.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
An ECG is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about various aspects of heart function:
- Heart Rate: The ECG measures how fast your heart is beating.
- Heart Rhythm: It detects irregularities in the heart's rhythm (arrhythmias).
- Heart Attacks (Past or Present): An ECG can show evidence of damage to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack, even if it occurred in the past.
- Ischemia: It can detect reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia).
- Structural Abnormalities: An ECG can suggest enlargement of the heart chambers or other structural problems.
- Electrolyte Imbalances: Certain electrolyte imbalances, like high or low potassium, can affect the electrical activity of the heart and be detected on an ECG.
Essentially, an ECG is a snapshot of your heart's electrical activity, allowing doctors to identify a wide range of heart conditions quickly and effectively. It helps diagnose conditions like heart attacks and arrhythmias. ECG machines are commonly found in medical offices, hospitals, operating rooms, and ambulances.
