Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG)

Procedure:

The heart works as two pumps connected in series to maintain the continuous flow of blood

It records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time using electrodes placed on a patient`s body. These electrodes detect the tiny electrical changes on the skin that arise from the heart muscle depolarizing during each heartbeat.

Major Indications:

• Suspected heart attack
• Suspected pulmonary embolism
• A third heart sound, fourth heart sound, a Cardiac murmur or other findings to suggest structural heart disease
• Perceived Cardiac dysrhythmias
• Fainting or collapse
• Seizures
• Monitoring the effects of a heart medication
• Assessing severity of electrolyte abnormalities, such as hyperkalemia etc