ECG , which is used for the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases , is a device that provides graphical recording of the electrical activity that occurs during the contraction of the heart. A weak electrical activity occurs during the contraction and relaxation of the atrium and ventricles, also known as the heartbeat. This activity contains a lot of data about heart rhythm, frequency and propagation. Electrocardiography or, in other words, ECG device is used to measure electrical activity. Electrodes adhered to the chest, arm and leg area on the skin allow measurement of the electrical activity created by the heart. The device to which the electrodes are connected converts this activity into graphical shapes and prints on a special paper. Thus, the physician easily evaluates the patient’s complaints about the heart. ECG is an examination method used to detect abnormal conditions, especially rhythm and conduction disorders, blood supply to the heart, hypertrophy or, in other words, the growth of the heart muscle. Before answering the question of how to take an ECG, what is an ECG should be understood well.
Why is the ECG taken?
ECG, taken with the help of electrodes attached to the body, provides the physician with various information about the heart. Today, ECG is drawn to almost every person who applies to a cardiologist. The ECG procedure, especially applied to people who are admitted to the hospital with suspicion of a heart attack, can also be taken in the following situations:
In the presence of arrhythmia or, in other words, suspicion of rhythm and conduction disorders
In the presence of possible problems in the heart valves
If there is a suspicion of narrowing or blockage in the heart vessels defined as coronary artery
In the presence of not enough blood or damage to the heart, defined as ischemia
When the condition of the heart muscle called hypertrophy needs to be observed
In the detection of imbalances in blood ions