Professional medical service of Electrocardiography (ECG)
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a diagnostic procedure that records the electrical activity of the heart over time using electrodes placed on the skin.
Why is an ECG performed?
The primary purpose of an ECG is to gather information about the structure and function of the heart. It is a critical diagnostic tool used for various medical indications, including:
- Suspected cardiac events: Heart attack (myocardial infarction) or new chest pain.
- Breathing or circulatory issues: Suspected pulmonary embolism or new-onset shortness of breath.
- Structural abnormalities: Heart murmurs, third or fourth heart sounds, or other signs of structural heart disease.
- Cardiac rhythm disorders: Palpitations, irregular pulse, or monitoring known cardiac dysrhythmias.
- Neurological symptoms: Fainting, collapse, or seizures.
- Medication monitoring: Evaluating the effects of heart medications, such as checking for drug-induced QT prolongation.
- Electrolyte imbalances: Assessing conditions like hyperkalemia.
- Screening for specific conditions: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy screening in adolescents during sports physicals (varies by region).
- Perioperative monitoring: Monitoring during procedures involving anesthesia (e.g., general or monitored anesthesia care).
- Preoperative assessments: Evaluating cardiovascular risk prior to surgery, particularly for patients with known heart disease or those undergoing cardiac, vascular, or pulmonary procedures.