Why is ECG machine use? What diseases can EKG monitor detect?

ECG machine use

Most of us have been recommended an ECG test at least once. Any symptoms related to abnormal heart activity require an ECG test to rule out the cause. ECG and EKG refer to the same thing. However, an echocardiogram is a different test, also conducted for heart activity.

An electrocardiogram is a machine used to record the heart's electrical activity. Small round sticky patches called electrodes are placed on the skin. Lead wires connect these patches to the ECG machine. The machine prints out a graph containing information about the heart's activity. This visual information is used by a healthcare professional to analyze heart health.

Technological advancements have revolutionized the medical industry; now, portable ECG devices are also available. Patients use them to observe their heart activity by themselves when they are not in the hospital. Though their accuracy is not as high as a hospital ECG machine, they are very beneficial in detecting problems in any medical emergency and providing information about long-term heart activity. They can also be connected to a bluetooth device, and their memory stores all the readings so you can show them to your doctor.

What diseases can EKG monitor detect?

Heart health is vital for us, and it is essential to keep track of it. Regular checkups and timely medical assistance can prevent a lot of complications. If you experience any symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness, unusual tiredness or fatigue, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat, your doctor would want you to go for an ECG test to find out the underlying cause. An ECG or EKG monitor is used to detect diseases related to the heart. Here are the diseases that can be detected using an EKG monitor.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation causes irregular heartbeat, and the heart's normal blood supply is affected. It may be an intermittent or a permanent condition. Since atrial fibrillation can also be intermittent, such patients should continuously monitor their heart activity while performing daily activities with a portable ECG device.

Arrhythmia

In simple words, arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat. If your heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly, an ECG will easily detect it. A fast heartbeat is called tachycardia, while a slow heartbeat is called bradycardia in medical terms. This happens when the electrical signals of the heart are not coordinating correctly, disrupting the heart's normal rhythm.

Heart defects

EKG monitor also detects the defects of the heart. Some common heart defects include an enlarged heart and ventricular septal defects in which there is a hole in the heart's wall, and this is most commonly detected in children. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a common congenital heart defect in which there is a problem with the heart's blood supply, and the left side of the heart does not develop correctly.

Heart inflammation

An injury or infection in the heart causes an inflammatory reaction in it. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or irregular heartbeat, you will be recommended an ECG test to check if you have heart inflammation. An ECG machine does not only show inflammation but also specifies the area of the heart which is inflamed.

Cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency in which the heart stops pumping blood to the body. If the vital organs do not get their blood supply back quickly, it can lead to death. It is a breakdown of the heart's electrical system. Electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, and some other tests are done for patients with cardiac arrest.

Poor blood supply

Ischemia, or inadequate blood supply to the heart, is an abnormality that can be detected in an ECG test. ECG tests can also show previous heart attacks. An ECG machine is able to detect other abnormalities of the heart as well, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or overly thick heart muscles.

Coronary artery disease

Excessive cholesterol builds up plaque that blocks the arteries supplying blood to the heart. This condition is also called atherosclerosis. ECG machine can also help diagnose coronary artery disease. Early detection is vital in the treatment of CAD.

Other conditions in which ECG testing is recommended

There are also some other conditions for which your doctor will recommend an ECG. People with panic attacks are tested with an ECG machine to ensure they do not have a heart attack. It is also done before and after certain surgical procedures to analyze the heart's health. ECG testing is also carried out to see how medicines work during treatment and the pacemaker's functioning. To confirm the death, there are various steps to follow. Heart's electrical activity is also checked with an ECG machine. A flat line indicates that the patient does not have a heartbeat.

How to prepare for an ECG test?

There is no special preparation needed for an ECG test. You can eat and drink as normal. Just make sure that your skin is dry. So avoid putting any lotions or moisturizers on the skin. Otherwise, the electrodes might not stick to your skin properly. Wear loose clothing. You will most probably be asked to remove any jewelry etc. The person conducting the test will put gel on your skin to enhance the test's accuracy. An ECG test is quite simple, quick, and painless. There is no electricity sent into the body, and it is completely safe.

Takeaway

1-channel ECG machines like an electrocardiogram on Apple Watch can detect only basic abnormalities, whereas 12-channel ECG machines are able to detect many diseases, including a heart attack. Wellnest 12L ECG is the most comprehensive solution for all care providers. It has a one-size-fits-all electrode belt. It has no cables and is hassle-free. Wellnest also has the option to provide you with traditional cables if you prefer.