ECG Test (Electrocardiogram)

Preparing for an ECG test is relatively simple, and there are no major restrictions or requirements. Some basic guidelines to ensure accurate and reliable test results are:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your chest and limbs. Typically, prior to attaching the electrodes, it is necessary to take off your upper clothing, your chest may require shaving or cleansing.
• Make sure your skin is clean, dry, and free of any lotions, oils, or creams. These substances can interfere with the electrodes' ability to detect the electrical signals of your heart.
• Caffeine can increase your heart rate and affect the test results. It is better to avoid it just before the procedure.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise before the test, as it may affect your heart rate and blood pressure.

Inform the technologist/doctor if you have any conditions that may interfere with the test results, such as an implanted device like a pacemaker.

Reading an ECG (electrocardiogram) can be complex and should be done by a trained healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a cardiologist. However, it can be helpful to understand the basic components of an ECG and what they represent.

An ECG waveform typically consists of a series of peaks and valleys, representing the heart’s electrical activity over time. The following are the basic components of an ECG:

• P wave: This is the first wave of the ECG and represents the electrical activity of the atria (upper chambers of the heart) as they contract.
• QRS complex: This is a series of waves that represent the electrical activity of the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) as they contract.

T wave: This is the final wave of the ECG and represents the electrical activity of the ventricles as they recover from contraction.

During an ECG Test, small, adhesive sensors known as metal electrodes are attached to the chest, arms, and legs, and then connected to an ECG recording machine with the help of lead wires. The electrical activity of the heart is recorded as waves on a paper sheet. Generally, heart disease is diagnosed based on wave patterns in the ECG. An Electrocardiogram creates a graph of the electrical activity generated by the heart, displaying voltage versus time. Typically, an ECG procedure lasts between 5 to 10 minutes.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of the heart. It records the electrical signals that are generated by the heart as it beats and displays these signals as a graph or waveform. The ECG can provide information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and the presence of any abnormalities, such as an irregular heartbeat or damage to the heart muscle. It is a non-invasive and painless test commonly used to diagnose and manage heart-related conditions, including arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure.

Yes, there are several tests that are commonly done in conjunction with an electrocardiogram (ECG) to help diagnose and manage heart-related conditions. Some of these tests include:

• Lipid profile consisting of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, VLDL, lipoprotein (a) and apolipoproteins

Cardiac enzyme tests like troponin, creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin