PROCEDURES
ECG and Stress ECG
Overview
An electrocardiogram is an entirely painless, non-invasive test designed to measure the heart’s electrical signals. ECG monitors are standard medical equipment commonly used in hospitals, clinics, ambulances and doctors’ offices.
Why it’s performed
An ECG and stress (exercise-induced) ECG is done to check for abnormal heart rhythms, a condition called heart arrhythmia. This is also an effective way of diagnosing coronary artery disease that occurs from blocked coronary arteries.
An ECG usually is part of a follow-up after inserting a pacemaker or recovering from a heart attack.
Apart from this, an ECG is used to determine the cause of:
- Heart flutter
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Deep chest pain
Preparation
Generally, no preparation is required for an electrocardiogram. Before the test, Dr Abelson will discuss medication and supplements taken. These medicines may affect the outcome of the ECG. An ECG or stress ECG can take place in the doctor’s rooms or hospital.
Procedure
We attach twelve electrodes to the chest and limbs. The electrodes have patches that stick to the skin. Wires travel from these electrodes to a monitor. These instruments are responsible for measuring the heart’s electrical signals. The data from this process is transferred to a monitor shown as waves on a computer screen.
An exercise-induced (ECG) test is similarly done. However, treadmill walking or running and stationary bike riding puts the heart under pressure. The results are delivered in the same way as a standard ECG.
Recovery
An ECG is over in a matter of minutes. There is no recovery time involved for this quick, in-office test. Usually, routine activities can be continued after the test. A routine ECG reveals the following:
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Blood flow to the heart
- An enlarged heart
- Cause of chest pain or angina
- Additional heart abnormalities (Defects in the heart’s chambers or walls)
