Tracing of electrical activity of the heart which shows your heart rate and rhythm
ECG (electrocardiogram) is a tracing of the electrical activity of the heart. Several electrodes - sticky patches - are attached to the chest, arms, and legs. Leads (wires) then connect the electrodes to the ECG machine. Every cardiac cycle (heartbeat) produces tiny electrical signals. The ECG machine amplifies and records these signals on paper for a period of time, allowing detailed analysis of any abnormalities. The procedure takes about 5-10 minutes and is noninvasive and painless. The ECG machine does not generate any external electrical current and only passively records electrical potentials produced by cardiac activity.
6 limb leads: 3 unipolar, aVR connected to right arm, aVL to left arm, aVF to left foot;
and 3 bipolar, I from left arm to right arm, II from left leg to righ arm, III from left leg to left arm
6 unipolar precordial chest leads: V1 - 4th intercostal space right, V2 - 4th intercostal left, V3 – between V2 and V4, V4 – midclavicular (mid collar bone), V5 – 5th intercostal space in anterior axillary line, and V6 – 5th intercostal in midaxillary line
A typical electrocardiogram of one cardiac cycle consists of a P wave, a QRS complex, a T wave, and sometimes a U wave. The baseline voltage of the ECG is known as the isoelectric line.
An ECG will be normally recorded during the first appointment with Dr Ruzicka. It is usually not necessary during follow-up appointments with the exception of patients with ongoing heart rhythm problems or baseline abnormalities. It is a completely safe test with no known risks.
An ECG shows heart rate, indicates whether heart rhythm is steady or irregular and it can locate the part of the heart muscle which is responsible for the problems. An ECG is a basic part of a cardiology consultation for assessing patients with chest pain, palpitations, murmurs, dizziness and blackouts, for monitoring during anaesthesia and in critically ill patients.
The test will be explained and you will be asked to remove any necessary articles of clothing above the waist. Since access to your ankles is needed, it is helpful if ladies could avoid wearing tights. Ten electrode stickers will be attached to your chest, shoulders and ankles and then connected to an ECG machine.
You will be lying on a couch with attached leads and will be asked to relax completely and be ‘floppy’ for 10-20 seconds to minimize any electrical activity coming from outside your heart. Artifacts can be caused by excessive muscle tension, shaking (tremor), talking or movements. You will not feel anything during the test.
The stickers will be removed and you will be able to get dressed. The ECG tracing will be reported by Dr Ruzicka and discussed with you during the consultation.