

The atrioventricular node slows down the electrical signal before it continues to the ventricles. The sinus node begins the heartbeat by producing electrical impulses. Not all arrhythmias are dangerous, but an EKG can detect whether the heart is out of rhythm and how dangerous the issue is.Ī normal heartbeat or rhythm is controlled by the electrical impulses that originate in the sinus node, which is located the upper right-hand chamber of the heart. In some cases, the heart may feel as if it’s racing for no reason. The person who has arrhythmia may occasionally experience a fluttering sensation in their chest. The heart should beat steadily but when the patient’s electrical heartbeat impulses fail to fire properly, then the heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or at irregular intervals. The following heart problems can be determined by an electrocardiogram: ArrhythmiaĪrrhythmia is a problem with the rhythm of the heartbeat. Health Conditions Detected by an EKG Scan A patient might also have an EKG prior to surgery. The test is a simple procedure that is painless, and it is often included as part of a patient’s regular checkup. Essentially, the electrical pulses transported through the heart are measured for their strength and timing. It also determines whether the heart muscle is performing at a healthy rhythm, and whether or not the beats are irregular or steady. The primary purpose of the EKG is to measure the rate at which your heart is beating. This is accomplished via electrodes placed strategically at various spots on your limbs and chest. It doesn’t send electricity into the body.An EKG is an electrocardiogram (abbreviation is from the original German word: elektrokardiogramm), which is a scan that is designed to detect and record the electrical activity of your heart. When the ECG stickers are removed, there may be some minor discomfort.

There’s no pain or risk associated with having an electrocardiogram. Second, by measuring the amount of electrical activity passing through the heart muscle, a cardiologist may be able to find out if parts of the heart are too large or are overworked. Finding out how long a wave takes to travel from one part of the heart to the next shows if the electrical activity is normal or slow, fast or irregular. First, by measuring time intervals on the ECG, a doctor can determine how long the electrical wave takes to pass through the heart. Why is it done?Īn ECG gives two major kinds of information.

The right and left bottom chambers or ventricles make the next wave called a “QRS complex." The final wave or “T wave” represents electrical recovery or return to a resting state for the ventricles. The right and left atria or upper chambers make the first wave called a “P wave" - following a flat line when the electrical impulse goes to the bottom chambers.

A normal heartbeat on ECG will show the timing of the top and lower chambers. This wave causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart. With each beat, an electrical impulse (or “wave”) travels through the heart. National Hypertension Control InitiativeĪn electrocardiogram - abbreviated as EKG or ECG - is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat.Pets and Your Health / Healthy Bond for Life.
