Electrocardiograph

Electrocardiograph is a recording of the generation of electrical impulses by the heart's natural pacemaker, and their path through the heart muscle as they stimulate contraction of its upper and lower chambers (atria and ventricles), Electrode sensors are taped to each wrist and ankle. The machine is turned on, and detects the electrical activity in the heart via a fifth electrode placed in a number of different positions on the chest wall. The impulses are amplified by the electrocardiograph (ECG) machine and recordedasa tracing on a moving strip of paper.

Electrical activity in twelve different parts of the heart is measured by using different combinations of sensors. ECG variations from normal provide valuable information about the condition of the pacemaker, the heart's conducting system and the heart muscle. An ECG is particularly useful in the accurate diagnosis of the nature of an irregular heartbeat. This non-invasive, painless and harmless test takes about 15 minutes.

Purpose

• To record heart rate and the regularity of heartbeats.
• To diagnose a possible heart attack or other heart disorders.
• To detect heart problems or blockages in the coronary arteries.

Factors affecting results

• Imbalance of electrolytes in your blood.
• Low body temperature.
• Thickening of the heart muscle.