Electrocardiogram (ECG)

You can quickly and reliably find out if you have heart disease using a simple and affordable method – an electrocardiogram. A 10-minute examination will show whether everything is in order with one of the most important internal organs.

An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic method that records the electrical activity of the heart. This test provides a graphical representation of the heart's electrical impulses, allowing for the detection of possible abnormalities in heart function.

An ECG is a quick, painless, and informative examination method widely used to diagnose various diseases of the cardiovascular system. This method is the basis for determining heart rhythms, myocardial damage, the condition of the heart's conduction system, and other pathologies.

The cardiologist or therapist, who auscultated heart murmurs, usually orders the electrocardiogram. The examination is ordered, if the patient complains about:

• pains in the heart area;
• increased heart rate;
• heart ‘aflutter’;
• high and low pressure;
• permanent weakness;
• faints etc.

The electrocardiogram is also ordered in case of pregnancy – during this period, the volume of circulated blood increases and the load on the heart grows. For the same reason (increase of loads on the heart muscle), the preventive electrocardiogram is recommended for: athletes; people, suffering from a permanent emotional tension; patients with obesity, diabetes mellitus, rheumatism; people, aged over 40.

The electrocardiogram is usually done for about 10 minutes. During the process, the doctor places the sensors on the patient’s body, which receive and register electrical impulses, coming from the heart.

As per their instructions, the cardiologist can determine the regularity and frequency of heart contractions, find out the disturbance of cardiac conduction, myocardial injuries, obtain information about the physical condition of the heart.

Even if you decided to undergo examination independently, you should better visit the cardiologist for interpreting the electrocardiogram and receiving precise information regarding the heart condition. Because during the consultation, the doctor takes into account not only the data of examination, but also the patient’s complaints, the results of examination, the medical record. If the heart is healthy, but there are some complaints, the cardiologist will recommend the necessary specialist, because the pains in the heart area can be caused, for example, by the spinal diseases.

As per the cardiogram, the cardiologist can detect presence of such cardiovascular diseases:

• arrhythmia;
• heart failure;
• atherosclerosis;
• ischemic heart disease;
• rheumatism etc.

In some cases, the electrocardiogram can be insufficient for establishing the precise diagnosis, then the ultrasound of the heart is ordered that allows obtaining more information. The doctor assesses the size of the heart, thickness of its walls, condition of the vessels and mitral valve.

The process of performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) for women does not differ from the standard procedure, but there are a few nuances:

• Patient comfort. During the procedure, the patient is asked to remove her upper clothing, which may cause discomfort. At Oxford Medical, all conditions are created to ensure privacy and comfort—the examination is carried out in a cozy room, and the staff acts with maximum delicacy.

• Electrode placement. To obtain accurate data, sensors are placed on the chest, wrists, and ankles.

• Cycle specifics. If the procedure is carried out during the menstrual cycle, it does not affect the accuracy of the results, but it is important to inform the doctor about your general condition so that the readings are interpreted correctly.

Based on an ECG, a cardiologist can detect the presence of cardiovascular diseases such as:

• arrhythmia;

• heart failure;

• atherosclerosis;

• coronary heart disease;

• rheumatism, etc.

In some cases, an ECG may not be enough for an accurate diagnosis. In such instances, an ultrasound of the heart is prescribed, which provides more information. The doctor evaluates the size of the heart, the thickness of its walls, the condition of the vessels, and the mitral valve.

ECG results include numerous indicators that may be unclear without professional interpretation. Only an experienced cardiologist can:

• Interpret the data correctly. Changes on the graph may be signs of disease but can also be due to physiological features or stress.

• Evaluate the overall condition. ECG indicators are analyzed in combination with other data: medical history, symptoms, and results of additional tests.

• Prescribe treatment or further diagnostics. If abnormalities are found, the doctor may recommend an echocardiogram, Holter monitoring, or other diagnostic methods to confirm the diagnosis.

Self-assessment of the results may be inaccurate, so consulting a cardiologist is a crucial step in maintaining your health.

No special preparation is required for the examination. It is enough to avoid alcohol, caffeine-containing products, excessive physical exertion, and stress. This is necessary to ensure that the data obtained is as accurate as possible. Before the examination, be sure to inform your doctor if you take any medications regularly.

The cost may vary depending on the type of examination. You can preview the prices here. The doctor will provide more detailed information about the options, program, and pricing during the initial consultation. To get an ECG, make an appointment by phone or through the online chat on the website.