The electrocardiogram, often known as an ECG test, assesses a heart’s function by monitoring electrical impulses. An ECG test is also sometimes called an EKG test, and it is conducted to assess the electrical activity of your heart to look for any heart abnormalities. The good thing is that you can now opt for ECG at home and get accurate results almost instantly.
The inherent electrical system of the body causes the heart muscle to contract. This circulates blood from the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body. Many different heart diseases can emerge when the electrical system is not functioning properly. Going for an ECG test at home will allow you to stay in the comfort of your home and yet get highly accurate diagnostic results.
The ECG depicts the heart’s electrical activity as line tracings on a sheet. Waves are the spikes and dips on the trace. These wave patterns assist your doctors in detecting anomalies. Opting for an ECG service at home will save you from traveling to a diagnostic center and yet getting medical consultation and treatment.
Types of ECG Tests At Home
- Holter Monitor:
The ECG tracings are continually monitored for 24 hours or longer using a Holter monitor. Your doctor may order a long-term ECG tracing when a resting ECG or a stress ECG fails to diagnose specific symptoms, including dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, or chronic exhaustion. The Holter monitor services enable a better capture of any aberrant heartbeats that may be causing issues. It is also used to keep track of severely ill individuals or those who are under general anesthesia.
- Event Monitor:
The electrodes are permanently attached to your chest, similar to the Holter monitor. While the Holter monitor continuously records your ECG, the event monitor only does so when you push the trigger button. You press a button on the event monitor when you have one or more symptoms, such as chest discomfort, dizziness, or palpitations. It will begin monitoring the electrical activity of your heart.
- Resting 12-lead ECG:
The most common ECG is this one. Electrodes are small sticky patches that are applied to the patient’s chest, arms, wrists, and ankles. These electrodes are attached to a machine that records the heart’s electrical activity from 12 angles. The patient must remain completely still and silent for the duration which is about 10 to 15 minutes. When the patient is at rest, it will detect if there is any aberrant conduction through the heart.
Why Is An ECG Test Performed?
If you have several of the following symptoms, your doctor may recommend an ECG:
- Blood pressure is high
- Unusual chest aches
- Heartbeats that are irregular or heavy
- Breathing difficulty
- Heart disease is common in the family.
- Diabetes
It is also advised if you want to begin exercising if your doctor hears an unexpected sound while listening to your heart or as part of a pre-operative assessment before surgical treatment.
What Is The Purpose Of An ECG Test?
An ECG test is the most common way to diagnose cardiac issues. Have a look at a few such issues.
- The Heart’s Electrical Axis:
Accurately determining the heart’s electrical axis is helpful in the diagnosis of many heart diseases.
- Heart Rate:
The number of times a heart beats in a minute is known as heart rate. A man’s normal heart rate should be between 60 and 80 beats per minute. It is around 70 and 90 for the average female. A heart rate of over 100 beats per minute is deemed unhealthy.
- Ventricular Or Atrial Arrhythmias
Ventricular or Atrial arrhythmias are abnormalities or disturbances in the rhythm or rate of the heartbeat. A malfunction in the heart’s electrical circuitry causes arrhythmia. A heartbeat is started by the electrical system, which then delivers electrical impulses through the heart. Arrhythmias can range from somewhat bothersome but not life-threatening to serious heart symptoms or loss of consciousness. The atria and ventricles’ walls thicken or get larger.
- Electrolyte Imbalance
The electrolyte is a charged substance that is necessary for life. An ECG is a highly sensitive tool for diagnosing calcium and potassium imbalances.
- Carditis
Carditis is an inflammation of the heart or its area.
- Pacemaker Monitoring
A cardiologist can detect the existence and effects of a pacemaker put in a cardiac patient’s heart through ECG testing.
Is There Any Preparation Needed Before Conducting ECG At Home?
An ECG exam does not necessitate any additional preparation. However, on the day of the test, avoid applying oily or greasy skin creams because these can hinder the electrodes from making contact with your skin.
How Does An ECG Test Work?
You may be asked to change into a loose outfit for an ECG test. You will be told to lie backward on a table. The technician will apply 12 to 15 gel-coated soft electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to the ECG equipment through electrical lines.
You must remain completely still while the equipment captures the electrical activity of your heart. These recordings will be plotted on graph paper or plain paper. You should not speak during the examination. The test will last approximately 10 minutes. The electrodes are removed and disposed of following the test.
Is There Any Danger In The Test?
An ECG merely monitors your heart’s electrical activity. Because the electrodes linked to the chest emit no electricity, it is perfectly safe. Some patients may get a skin rash where the electrodes are put, although this goes away without therapy.
People who have stress ECG may have a minor risk of having a heart attack, although this is due to activity rather than ECG.
The Bottom Line
If you are too weak to go to a diagnostic center to have the ECG test, you can opt for an ECG at home. There are multiple diagnostic centers that provide ECG services at home.
However, Star Home Care is the name you must trust for ECG service at home. You get professional service for an ECG test at home and also for Holter monitor services. Once you book the service, an experienced technician will visit your location along with state-of-the-art machines to conduct the test. They will also share the test reports almost instantly after completing the test.
So, if you are from Delhi NCR, connect with Star Home Care today and book an ECG or Holter monitor services and get the benefits.
