Electrocardiogram

Alternative names

Electrocardiographic study. Electrocardiograph.

Definition

Recording the electrical activity of the heart by using an electrode that collects the electrical signal from a certain area of ​​the heart and a cardiograph that collects said activity in the form of a graph printed on paper.

How is the study done?

The study is carried out in rooms that have an electrocardiograph.

The patient lies on an examination table. You are asked to bare your torso, arms and ankles and to detach yourself from any metallic objects you carry with you. The bare areas are cleaned with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol and different electrodes are placed in a predetermined position on said areas. The patient is asked to remain still and hold their breath at certain times during the study.

The electrodes, connected to the cardiograph, will send the electrical signals they collect and transmit them to the cardiograph, who will transcribe a graph on paper of the different electrical signals it receives.

The study lasts about 15 minutes.

Preparation for the study

The study does not require prior preparation by the patient.

It is advisable to avoid exercise, stress situations and taking stimulants such as caffeine or tobacco before the study to prevent the record from being altered.

Certain drugs can alter the result of the registry, so the patient must communicate if they are undergoing any type of treatment before the study is carried out.

What does it feel like during and after the study?

The electrocardiographic recording is painless for the patient.

A cool sensation may be felt in the area of ​​application of the alcohol soaked cotton.

In some sensitive patients, signs of hypersensitivity (contact dermatitis) may appear in the areas of contact with the electrode, which usually disappear spontaneously in the next few hours.

Study risks

The electrocardiographic study is a safe test, without risks.

During the study may appear:

Contact dermatitis (allergy) in the area where the electrodes are placed.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications to the study.

What is the study done for?

The electrical activity of the heart is responsible for its operation. Its recording allows detecting alterations in rhythm, frequency (or number of beats per minute) and detecting areas of the heart that do not receive electrical impulses or receive them insufficiently or abnormally.

The study therefore makes it possible to detect alterations such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), blockages (electrical impulses that are not transmitted or are transmitted in an altered way), infarcts (areas of the heart that do not respond to electrical impulses ), and so on; which should be studied later with more specific studies.

The electrocardiographic record is the basic study used in Cardiology.