An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple cardiac diagnostic procedure to assess the electrical activity of the heart. ECG cardiac test aims to detect abnormalities such as arrhythmias or heart rhythm disorders, coronary heart disease, heart valve abnormalities, heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis), to enlarged heart. Although the ECG test checks the electrical impulses of the heart, no electric current is applied to the patient’s body during the test procedure.
Who Needs an ECG Test?
ECG test is important for patients who have symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, breathing difficulty, and irregular heartbeat. Patients with a history of heart disease also need an ECG test. Cardiologists and Vascular Specialists may recommend an ECG test for patients who have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or other risk factors for heart disease. Before and after undergoing surgery or heart surgery, patients will also be directed to undergo an ECG test. For some patients with heart conditions that require special attention, a Cardiologist will recommend regular ECG tests to monitor the progress of their heart condition.
Why Is an ECG Needed?
Patients need to carry out an ECG cardiac test to:
- Evaluate and look for causes of health problems associated with heart disease such as chest pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and dizziness.
- Know heart rhythm so that it can detect if there is an irregular heart rhythm.
- View the overall condition of the heart before and / or after heart surgery.
- Know the effectiveness of pacemakers and drugs that have been taken before.
- Identify structural problems with the heart.
- identify an initial evaluation of someone who has risk factors for heart disease.
From the results of an ECG, a cardiologist can determine the next course of action according to the patient’s heart condition. An ECG test may be followed by other tests based on the evaluation of the Cardiologist and Vascular Specialist.
ECG Cardiac Test Process
The ECG cardiac test is brief and painless. The patient must remove jewelry and other accessories that could affect the test results. During the examination, the patient lies on a bed or examining table. It is important for the patient to lie still and not move or speak to get the ECG results’ accuracy.
The patient will then have electrodes placed on the chest, legs and arms. The electrode is a metal plate with a cable connected to the ECG machine. The patient will be required to breathe normally. In the meantime, the ECG machine records the heart’s electrical activity. After recording process is complete, all electrode equipment will be removed. The whole process takes about 5-10 minutes.
The cardiologist and vascular specialist will examine and analyze the results of the test and then explain them to the patient. ECG test can be performed on both an inpatient and an outpatient basis. Outpatients can go home immediately after the examination and continue their activities according to the doctor’s recommendation. However, if there are indications that may point to heart disease, the patient may be asked to undergo further tests. Thorough examination is important to further confirm the patient’s heart condition.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) at Primaya Hospital
Primaya Hospital has a Cardiac and Vascular Center that serves ECG cardiac test. Primaya Hospital’s team of Cardiac and Vascular specialists are experienced and competent to carry out cardiac examinations using the latest technology. Contact Primaya Hospital’s Cardiac and Vascular Center to schedule an ECG cardiac test or related examinations such as heart treadmill tests, electrophysiology, installation of heart rings, bypass surgery, and various other cardiovascular services.
