Normal cardiograph skin#
Normal cardiograph portable#
Normal cardiograph professional#

Normal cardiograph portable#

You can also get a small, portable device with sensors you place your fingers on to get a heart rhythm reading. The type of ECG you have will depend on your symptoms and the heart problem suspected.įor example, an exercise ECG may be recommended if your symptoms are triggered by physical activity, whereas an ambulatory ECG may be more suitable if your symptoms are unpredictable and occur in random, short episodes. an ambulatory ECG (sometimes called a Holter monitor) – the electrodes are connected to a small portable machine worn at your waist so your heart can be monitored at home for 1 or more days.a stress or exercise ECG – carried out while you're using an exercise bike or treadmill.a resting ECG – carried out while you're lying down in a comfortable position.The test itself usually only lasts a few minutes, and you should be able to go home soon afterwards or return to the ward if you're already staying in hospital. Once the electrodes are in place, you may be offered a hospital gown to cover yourself. You can eat and drink as normal beforehand.īefore the electrodes are attached, you'll usually need to remove your upper clothing, and your chest may need to be shaved or cleaned. You don't need to do anything special to prepare for the test.

These are connected by wires to an ECG recording machine. Generally, the test involves attaching a number of small, sticky sensors called electrodes to your arms, legs and chest. There are several different ways an ECG can be carried out.

cardiomyopathy – where the heart walls become thickened or enlargedĪ series of ECGs can also be taken over time to monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart condition or taking medication known to potentially affect the heart.

heart attacks – where the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked.

coronary heart disease – where the heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances.

arrhythmias – where the heart beats too slowly, too quickly, or irregularly.

It can be used to investigate symptoms of a possible heart problem, such as chest pain, palpitations (suddenly noticeable heartbeats), dizziness and shortness of breath. When an ECG is usedĪn ECG is often used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the heart.

Normal cardiograph professional#

The test can be carried out by a specially trained healthcare professional at a hospital, a clinic or at your GP surgery.ĭespite having a similar name, an ECG isn't the same as an echocardiogram, which is a scan of the heart. These signals are recorded by a machine and are looked at by a doctor to see if they're unusual.Īn ECG may be requested by a heart specialist (cardiologist) or any doctor who thinks you might have a problem with your heart, including your GP.

Normal cardiograph skin#

Sensors attached to the skin are used to detect the electrical signals produced by your heart each time it beats. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can be used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical activity.