Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir

An EKG (electrocardiogram) is a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and provides important information about heart function. Recording an EKG is a simple, painless procedure that allows the doctor to detect abnormalities in the rhythm, speed or strength of the heart's impulses, which can indicate various heart diseases, including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, thickening of the heart chambers and other heart disorders.

Recording an EKG is a quick and simple procedure that takes a few minutes. The patient sits or lies down, and electrodes are placed on his skin (about 10 electrodes) on his chest, arms and legs. The electrodes collect the electrical signals that the heart produces during each beat, and these signals are sent to a machine that converts them into a graphic record — an EKG curve. The test is painless, but it is important that the patient remains calm and relaxed in order for the results to be accurate. After recording, the doctor analyzes the ECG and draws conclusions about the health of the patient's heart.

Interpretation of ECG

After recording the EKG, the doctor (most often a cardiologist) analyzes the electrical activity of the heart, which is shown in the form of waves: P wave, QRS complex and T wave. Each phase represents different phases of cardiac contraction and relaxation.

The doctor analyzes:

Frequency and rhythm: Checks whether the rhythm is regular or irregular (eg atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles).

Intervals and Wavelength: Measures intervals such as PQ interval, QRS complex and ST segment, which help detect arrhythmias, infarction or ischemia.

Waveform changes: Analyzes changes in the shape of the P wave, QRS complex, or T wave that may indicate heart problems, such as heart enlargement or blockage in cardiac fibers.

Elevated or lowered ST segment: May indicate a heart attack or ischemia, where the heart is not getting enough oxygen.

Recording an EKG usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The procedure itself is quick and non-invasive. After the ECG has been recorded, the interpretation of the results may take several minutes, depending on the complexity of the recording. If the EKG is regular and does not show any irregularities, doctors can quickly confirm that the heart is in good condition. If an abnormality is found, the doctor may decide to recommend further tests, such as an echocardiogram, stress test or 24-hour EKG monitoring (Holter monitoring), in order to get a more precise insight into the heart's function.