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

An ECG test is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that records the electrical activity of your heart, including its rate and rhythm, using electrodes attached to your chest, arms, and legs.

A normal ECG test typically shows a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute with a consistent, even rhythm and electrical signals following a normal pattern without significant deviations.

An ECG test is done to diagnose heart problems, monitor heart conditions, assess treatment effectiveness, and screen for heart diseasev, especially in people with symptoms or a family history of heart issues.

The electrocardiogram test can detect various heart conditions such as irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), past or current heart attacks, heart muscle damage, changes in heart chamber size or position, and poor blood supply to the heart.

The benefits of an ECG test include its simplicity, speed, and non-invasive nature. It helps in early diagnosis, monitoring heart health, guiding treatment decisions, and assessing heart function before and after procedures.

There are minimal risks associated with an ECG test. It is painless and does not involve any electricity being sent into the body. Slight discomfort may occur when removing electrodes or due to skin irritation.

To book an ECG test online, visit the website of a healthcare provider or diagnostic centre, fill out the necessary forms, select a time slot, and make the payment.

Yes, an ECG test can help detect signs of heart blockage or reduced blood flow to the heart, especially during chest pain symptoms, by showing patterns indicative of narrowed or blocked heart arteries.

Yes, stress can cause temporary changes in the heart's electrical activity, leading to an abnormal ECG test. A stress test can also reveal how the heart responds to physical stress.

No, fasting is not typically required before an ECG test. However, it is important to inform your provider about any medications you are taking and avoid exercising or drinking cold water immediately before the test.

An ECG test provides information about your heart rate, rhythm, and the timing and strength of the electrical impulses in your heart, which can indicate various heart conditions and structural changes.

Factors that can affect ECG test results include obesity, anatomical considerations, movement during the test, exercise or smoking before the test, certain medications, and skin irritation or hair at the electrode sites.

The ECG Test reports are shared after 6 hours, depending on the type of ECG test and healthcare facility.