A resting electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as a basal ECG, is a common diagnostic tool used to assess the conductivity of your heart while you are at complete stillness. During the test, small electrodes are placed to your chest, arms, and legs to capture the waves produced by your heart as it contracts. The resulting lines provide valuable data about your heart's function, including its frequency, rhythm, and the presence of any abnormalities.
A resting ECG is a safe, painless, and non-invasive procedure. It can be used to identify a variety of heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
- Keep in mind that a resting ECG may not always detect all potential heart problems.
- Therefore, your doctor may order more evaluations if needed.
Stress Test ECG
Exercise stress electrocardiography is a non-invasive test used to evaluate the heart's function during physical exertion. During this procedure, electrodes is placed on the chest to monitor the electrical signals of the heart. The patient typically walks on a treadmill or exercise bike while their heart rate is tracked closely.
The test helps detect potential problems with the heart, such as coronary artery disease or arrhythmias. It involves gradually increasing the intensity of exercise until a certain target heart rate is attained.
At conclusion of the test, the electrocardiogram tracing provides a visual representation to assess the heart's response to exercise and show signs of problems.
Continuous Ambulatory Holter Monitoring
Continuous ambulatory holter monitoring, also referred to as a ambulatory cardiac recorder, is a reliable method for tracking the heart's electrical activity over an extended period. This non-invasive electrocardiogram and electrocardiograph device facilitates physicians to detect potential irregularities that may not be apparent during a brief electrocardiogram (ECG) test. Patients typically wear the holter monitor for 24 hours or even longer, recording their heart rhythm continuously across daily activities. The collected data is then reviewed by a cardiologist, who can formulate a diagnosis and propose appropriate treatment choices.
Serial Electrocardiography for Vital Signs Assessment
Serial electrocardiography provides a powerful method for evaluating vital signs in patients. It enables the measurement of heart rhythm over periods, providing clinicians with critical insights into clinical status. By examining electrocardiographic tracings, nurses can recognize abnormalities that may suggest underlying problems. Moreover, serial electrocardiography can assist with the treatment of chronic heart conditions.