Electrocardiography is the study of the bioelectrical activity of the heart. Every living cell of the heart is a source of electrical energy.
An ECG records changes in electrical voltages in the heart muscle. The currents generated in the heart pass through the tissues and can be recorded and stored in the form of an electrocardiogram using electrodes attached to the skin of the chest.
The electrocardiograph consists of an apparatus that records the bioelectrical activity and electrodes attached to the patient’s body that transmit the electrical impulses to the recording apparatus.
In addition to the standard resting ECG, a 24-hour Holter ECG and an exercise test (stress ECG) can be performed.
The ECG allows assessment of the heart’s electrical function, detection of arrhythmia, conduction abnormalities, coronary artery disease and evaluation of the pacemaker.
Preparation for the ECG examination
- the examination does not require any special preparation.
2. The examining physician should be informed if you are currently taking medication or if you feel unwell during the test.
Procedure of ECG examination
The examination is performed in supine position. The upper part of your clothes should be removed. Electrodes are attached to each upper and lower limb and to the chest. The electrodes are lubricated with a special gel. The patient should be relaxed and lie still. The examination lasts several minutes.
The result of the examination is a graph with a description. It is given immediately after the examination.
Indications for an ECG examination
- chest pains
- Ischemia of the heart muscle
- inflammation of the heart muscle
- heart rhythm disturbances
- evaluation of pacemaker function.