ECG stands for Electrocardiogram, which is a non-invasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.
It is a valuable diagnostic tool used to detect various heart conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other abnormalities.
During an ECG, a technician places several small electrodes on the chest, arms, and legs of the patient.
These electrodes are connected to a machine that records the electrical activity of the heart.
The ECG machine produces a graph that shows the heart's electrical activity as a series of waves, which are labeled P, Q, R, S, and T.
The interpretation of an ECG requires a trained healthcare provider who can identify any abnormalities in the heart's electrical activity.
This information can help diagnose various heart conditions and guide treatment decisions.
ECGs are also routinely used in preoperative assessments, as well as in monitoring patients with known heart conditions.
Overall, an ECG is a safe, painless, and valuable tool that plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of various heart conditions.