Electrocardiography (ecg or ekg) is the midclavicular line (the imaginary high blood pressure, high cholesterol,

recording of the electrical activity of the heart line that extends down from the cigarette smoking, diabetes, or a family
over time via skin electrodes. Test that midpoint of the clavicle history of early heart disease.
checks for problems with the electrical (collarbone)
activity of your heart. It is a noninvasive V5 Horizontally even with v4, but in Risks
recording produced by an the anterior axillary line. (the The ekg is a noninvasive procedure that is
electrocardiographic device. The etymology anterior axillary line is the virtually risk-free for the patient. There is a
of the word is derived from electro, because collarbone is the end closer to slight risk of heart attack for individuals
it is related to electrical activity, cardio, greek the arm) undergoing a stress test ekg, but patients are
for heart, graph, a greek root meaning "to V6 Horizontally even with v4 and v5 carefully screened for their suitability for this
write". in the midxillary line. (the test before it is prescribed.
midxillary line that extends Risk factors for heart disease include obesity,
Ten electrodes are used for a 12-lead ecg. down from the middle of the hypertension (high blood pressure), high
They are labeled and placed on the patient's patient’s armpit) triglycerides and total blood cholesterol, low
body as follows: hdl ("good") cholesterol, tobacco smoking,
Electrode Electrode placement Why it is done and increased age. People who have diabetes
label (in An electrocardiogram (ekg or ecg) is done to: mellitus (either type 1 or type 2) are also at
the usa) Check the heart's electrical activity. increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Ra On the right arm, avoiding bony Find the cause of unexplained chest pain, Possible complications
prominences which could be caused by a heart attack, the ecg is a safe procedure with no known
La In the same location that ra was inflammation of the sac surrounding the risks. It does not send electric current to the
placed, but on the left arm this heart (pericarditis), or angina. body.
time Find the cause of symptoms of heart disease,
Ll On the leg, avoiding bony such as shortness of breath, dizziness, Before the procedure
prominences fainting, or rapid, irregular heartbeats Your physician or the technician will explain
Rl In the same place that ll was (palpitations). the procedure to you and offer you the
positioned, but on the right leg Find out if the walls of the heart chambers opportunity to ask any questions that you
V1 In the 4th intercostal space are too thick (hypertrophied). might have about the procedure.
(between ribs 4 & 5) to the right Check how well medicines are working and Generally, fasting is not required before the
of the sternum (breastbone) whether they are causing side effects that test.
V2 In the 4th intercostal space affect the heart. Notify your physician of all medications
(between ribs 4 & 5) to the left Check how well mechanical devices that are (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal
of the sternum implanted in the heart, such as pacemakers, supplements that you are taking.
V3 Between leads v2 and v4 are working to control a normal heartbeat. Notify your physician if you have a
V4 In the fift intercostal space Check the health of the heart when other pacemaker.
(between rib 5 & 6) in the diseases or conditions are present, such as
The area(s) where the electrodes are to be
placed may be shaved.
Based upon your medical condition, your
physician may request other specific
preparation.
During the procedure
A signal-averaged ecg may be performed on
an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in
a hospital. Procedures may vary depending
on your condition and your physician’s
practices.
Generally, a signal-averaged ecg follows this
process:
You will be asked to remove any jewelry or
other objects that may interfere with the
procedure.
You will be asked to remove clothing from the
waist up. The technician will ensure your
privacy by covering you with a sheet or gown
and exposing only the necessary skin.
You will lie flat on a table or bed for the
procedure. It will be important for you to lie
still and not talk during the procedure, so as
not to interfere with the tracing.
If your chest is very hairy, the technician may
shave small patches of hair, as needed, so
that the electrodes will stick closely to the
skin.
Electrodes will be attached to your chest,
abdomen, and back.
The lead wires will be attached to the skin
electrodes.
Once the leads are attached, the technician
may key in identifying information about you
into the machine's computer.
The ekg will be started. Generally, it will take
about 20 minutes to obtain the necessary ecg
information.
Once the tracing is completed, the technician
will disconnect the leads and remove the skin
electrodes.
After the procedure
You should be able to resume your normal
diet and activities, unless your physician
instructs you differently.
Generally, there is no special care following a
signal-averaged ecg.
Notify your physician if you develop any signs
or symptoms you had prior to the test (e.g.,
chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or
fainting).
Your physician may give you additional or
alternate instructions after the procedure,
depending on your particular situation.
Information
There are a number of ways to help an
adolescent prepare for a medical test or
procedure.
First, provide detailed information and
explain reasons for the procedure. Let your
child participate in making as many decisions
as possible.
Pre-procedure preparation:
Explain the procedure in correct medical
terminology, and provide the reason for the
test (ask your provider to explain if you are
not sure). Understanding the need for the
procedure may reduce your child's anxiety
about it.
To the best of your ability, describe how the
test will feel. Allow your child to practice the
positions or movements that will be required
for the particular test, such as the fetal
position for a lumbar puncture.
Be honest about discomfort that may be felt,
but don't dwell on the topic. It may help to
stress the benefits of the procedure, and that
you will have more information when the
results are in. Talk about things that the child
may find pleasurable after the test, such as
feeling better or going home. Rewards, such
as shopping trips or movies, may be helpful if
the child is able to enjoy them.
To the best of your ability, describe the
operation of equipment that will be involved
in concrete, literal terms.
Suggest ways for the child stay calm:
Counting
Deep breathing
Relaxation (thinking pleasant thoughts)
Holding the hand of the parent (or someone
else) during the procedure
Include your child in the decision-making
process, such as the time of day or the date
the procedure is performed. When possible,
let your child make some decisions. The more
control a person feels over a procedure, the
less painful and anxiety-producing it is likely
to be.
Allow your child to participate in simple tasks.
Encourage participation during the
procedure, such as holding an instrument, if
allowed. Let your child hold your hand (or the
hand of someone else in the room) for
comfort, as it can actually reduce pain by
reducing anxiety and providing distraction.
Impt.
It gives imp. Info. Concerning the spread of
excitation to the different parts of the heart.
It is impt for the diagnosis of cases of
abnormal cardiac arrhythmias and
myocardial damage.
Each event has a distinctive waveform, the
study of which can lead to greater insight into
patients cardiac pathophsyio

ECG is sometimes the only method of

detecting irregularities in heart rhythm --
such as atrial fibrillation -- that can lead to
the forming of blood clots that can later get
flow to the brain. These blood clots can cause
stroke by forming in the heart, coming loose
and then getting lodged in a small artery of
the brain.
ECG is performed on every stroke patient as
part of the routine evaluation. However, the
test shows only a "snapshot" of the electrical
activity of the heart (about 5 minutes), and
other devices may be used to find
irregularities that occur less frequently.