You need a heart ecg. How is an ECG prepared? Common mistakes when recording an ECG

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The reputation is definitely for such a gift!

Is it possible to do an ecg for a child with a cold

Despite the coincidence of the scope of the immunity of representatives of states, in organizations of an international nature and the immunity of a diplomatic agent, their legal nature still remains different. If for an adult a cold does not carry any threats, then a cold in children under one year old may require a special approach. One of the most common infectious diseases in winter is the flu. You can take anesthesia for colds, 10-15 drops with water, 3 times a day before meals. Associated with swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasolacrimal canal and nasal cavity due to inflammation, therefore, the natural outflow of tear fluid from the eyes is disrupted. The flu shot for adults is given in the deltoid muscle of the shoulder. The antibiotic is contraindicated in patients with hepatitis and allergic reactions to penicillins. Is it possible to continue to breastfeed a child with mastitis?

With a confirmed diagnosis of ascariasis, treatment is carried out with special medications, and not with traditional medicine, so you should not self-medicate. At the same time, the quality of the meat does not change, and radioactive cesium goes into solution.

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Who Shouldn't Do an EKG? About the cardiogram - in detail

What is sinus rhythm and ECG interpretation

Who can do the decoding of the ECG and when the cardiogram does more harm than good, cardiologist Anton Rodionov told in his new book.

What is an EKG

Almost everyone knows how to record an electrocardiogram. 10 electrodes are applied to the human body: four electrodes on the limbs (two on the arms, two on the legs) and six electrodes on the chest. In order for the electrical signal to be well conducted, the skin at the point of contact with the electrode is moistened with water or a special gel. The better the contact, the better the quality of the electrocardiogram will be.

The duration of a standard ECG recording is about 10 seconds. Sometimes the second part of the recording is performed on inspiration; during inhalation, the position of the heart in the chest changes slightly, and we get additional food for thought.

Of course, 10 seconds is very little. After all, if it is in this short time that the patient does not have arrhythmia, there is no violation of the blood supply to the heart, this does not mean that he never has them at all. Therefore, if necessary, the doctor will recommend additional studies, for example, Holter ECG monitoring or stress tests. So, for example, if it seems to us that some wall of the heart is thickened (hypertrophied), then the next step will be to perform echocardiography (ultrasound), in which it will already be possible to measure the wall thickness with an accuracy of a millimeter.

How is the electrical wiring in the heart

So, the electrocardiogram, according to its name, registers the electrical processes occurring in the heart. Let's see what happens and how it happens. In the bowels of the heart muscle there are special groups of cells that make up the so-called conduction system of the heart. For simplicity, you can imagine it in the form of electrical wiring embedded in the wall, although in reality everything is a little more complicated.

The "power source" of a healthy heart is sinus node which is in the right atrium. For those who are friends with electricians, it can be compared to a capacitor. The sinus node accumulates a charge, and then, at a certain frequency, it produces electrical impulses that cause the heart to contract. Therefore, if the “battery is good”, then in the first line of the conclusion of the cardiogram it will be written: sinus rhythm.

The heart has four chambers - two atria and two ventricles. The atria contract first, then the ventricles. In order for this to happen in this sequence, it is necessary that the electrical impulse first covers the atria with excitation, and then switches to the ventricles. This switch occurs in the so-called atrioventricular node. More often it is called in Latin the atrioventricular node (atrium - atrium, ventriculum - ventricle), and even more often - simply AV node.

Two “wires” emerge from the AV node, which, by the name of the author, are called legs of the bundle of His. Through the right leg of the bundle of His, the electrical signal is mainly conducted to the right ventricle, through the left leg of the bundle of His, of course, to the left ventricle. Since the left ventricle is the largest chamber of the heart, and it needs a lot of power supply, the left leg is also divided into anterior and posterior branches. This is how the complex conduction system of the heart turns out. If an accident occurs in one area or another in the power supply, then we will call it a "blockade of conduction" or a violation of the conduction of the heart.

Clinical examination: who does not need to do an ECG

The golden rule of medicine is that any research must be justified. Our colleagues abroad strictly adhere to it. Even if studies are done on healthy people, they must be done according to certain indications and in certain risk groups. Studies that are done just like that, just in case, according to the principle “what if there is something”, often not only do not carry useful information, but very often even mislead and confuse.

This fully applies to the ECG. As we have already said, an ECG is just a record of electrical signals that are produced in the heart, and which doctors have agreed to interpret in a certain way.

Any doctor learns to interpret the cardiogram all his life. There are a lot of rule warrants. The more experienced the doctor, the more variants of the norm he knows. In our clinic, a long time ago, its late director, Professor V.I. Makolkin forbade the doctors of functional diagnostics to “decipher” the ECG. Each doctor should learn to read the ECG on their own, if necessary, with the help of senior colleagues.

Thus, for several years of work, even a young doctor already had a huge baggage of ECGs that were viewed, and not just viewed, but “attached” directly to the patient. And this is an important condition for the analysis of the cardiogram. Often, when a doctor "decodes" a cardiogram without seeing the patient, he can give a conclusion that is completely untrue.

And so it is not necessary to remove the cardiogram to young healthy people just in case. Young people have a large number of individual characteristics that do not require treatment. This may be the migration of the pacemaker, sinus arrhythmia, high signal voltage, rare extrasystoles. The ECG in children is very often different from the standard to which we are accustomed. It is good if this child meets a competent doctor who says that nothing needs to be done.

So, in the absence of symptoms, a healthy person simply does not need to do a cardiogram. The probability of seeing some minor deviation from the norm, which will be misinterpreted, is much higher than accidentally identifying some serious pathology. It is much more important for the doctor to measure the pressure, listen, and do routine tests. But if he heard something there, if the pressure is increased, then it is already necessary to react and do a cardiogram.

ECG can be done with a cold

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Why do an ECG during pregnancy and is it safe?

When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, her life changes dramatically: from now on, regular visits to doctors and testing become the norm. However, not all diagnostic studies are acceptable during the period of bearing a child. Is it possible to do a cardiogram during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes changes at all levels:

hormonal background fluctuates;
the volume of circulating blood increases;
the central nervous system works in a mode of increased excitability.

That's why doing an ECG during pregnancy: if for some reason the cardiovascular system does not cope well with stress, the electrocardiogram will show this.

Unlike other diagnostic methods, electrocardiography is absolutely safe for the expectant mother and her child, because the device does not produce harmful radiation and takes readings without affecting the body in any way.

An ECG during the period of bearing a child is performed repeatedly if the expectant mother:

experiencing sudden pressure surges and bouts of dizziness;
periodically faints;
suffers from tachycardia and shortness of breath;
feels pain in the left side of the chest.

When a pregnant woman suffers from cardiovascular pathology, it is advisable to do an ECG as often as possible. In this case, you should not be afraid for the health of the baby.

For pregnant women, the cardiogram is performed in exactly the same way as in other cases: sensors are attached to the body, which record heart rates for 5 minutes.

A woman should come to the examination well-fed, but you should not overeat, otherwise it will affect the results of the examination.

15 minutes before taking readings, you should calm down as much as possible, and during the ECG, do not think about anything and do not worry. There is no need to try to decipher the results of the examination yourself: only a specialist knows which indicators are a variant of the norm, and which ones are a signal for concern. In the last stages of pregnancy, CTG can also be performed to listen to the fetal heartbeat and assess the readiness of the uterus for childbirth.

Important points on how an ECG is done to patients of different ages and genders

Electrocardiography is the removal of bioelectric potentials that occur during contraction of the heart muscle. This method is available, does not require special preparation, and is safe for the patient. At the same time, the information received by the doctor can help in diagnosing coronary disease, arrhythmias, and conduction disorders.

Read in this article

The principle of operation of the electrocardiograph

The ECG recording device consists of electrodes that are attached to the patient's body, a galvanometer, an amplifier, a recorder and a switch for leads. The impulses that are formed in the heart muscle must first be amplified, then they are perceived by the galvanometer. It converts electrical waves into mechanical vibrations.

The registrar records with the help of recorders on thermal paper a typical graphic curve, which is called an electrocardiogram.

With the help of an ECG study, one can judge the state of the heart muscle by the following indicators:

impulse conduction;
rhythmic heartbeats;
an increase in one or more parts of the heart;
myocardial blood supply;
areas of necrosis (infarction) their size, depth and duration of occurrence.

How to properly prepare for an ECG, what not to do

Electrocardiography does not require long-term preparation, which is one of the advantages of this method. It is removed according to emergency indications in any condition of the patient. But if a planned study is scheduled, then before conducting it, it is recommended:

Do not eat or drink caffeinated drinks for at least 3 hours before the procedure.
Before the study, you need to have a good rest.
Eliminate physical and emotional stress.
Take a shower, after which do not use the cream.

Clothing is selected so that electrodes can be easily attached to the skin of the ankles, wrists and chest.

On the day of the study, it is strictly forbidden to take alcoholic beverages, smoking, you need to give up sports and a hearty breakfast. As a drink, ordinary drinking water, weak tea or fruit juice is best.

How an EKG is done

In order to take an electrocardiogram, the patient is placed on the couch, the medical worker places electrodes on the shins, wrists and chest. If there is difficulty in breathing in a horizontal position, then the procedure is performed while sitting.

Rules for the procedure

For good contact between the skin and the electrode, the attachment point is degreased with ethyl alcohol and a special conductive gel is applied. After that, readings are taken using an ECG diagnostic device.

The whole procedure takes about 10 - 15 minutes.

In order to get a reliable result, you need to be in a calm, relaxed state, do not hold your breath. Muscle tremors from excitement or cold can distort the data.

Common leads are 3 standard, 3 reinforced and 6 chest. Each lead will record at least 4 cardiac cycles. After that, the device is turned off, the electrodes are removed, and a signed tape is issued to the doctor of functional diagnostics, which he must decipher.

For more information on ECG registration, see this video:

Are there any features during pregnancy

In the body of a pregnant woman, the load on the heart muscle changes, as it must provide blood supply to the fetus in the uterus. An electrocardiogram may show abnormalities that are not indicative of heart disease.

Therefore, starting from 3-4 months, when deciphering the testimony, an amendment is made for the presence of a gestation process.

In preparing and conducting the procedure itself, standard research methods are used.

How is an EKG done for women?

For women, the rules for installing electrodes are the same as for men. They should be located in the region of the heart, directly on the skin, therefore, before the ECG, you must completely remove all clothing from the chest, including the bra. Keep in mind that pantyhose or stockings will prevent you from attaching the sensors to your lower leg.

Deciphering ECG indicators

On the tape, the curve obtained after taking the cardiogram has 5 teeth. They occur when the atria and ventricles contract in succession. The following designations have been adopted:

The P wave is an indicator of the work of the right (first half) and left atrium.
P Q - the interval of passage of the impulse to the ventricle along the bundle of Giss.
QRST - the complex occurs when the ventricles contract, while the highest R wave reflects the excitation of the ventricular myocardium, and Q and S are the partitions between them, T - occurs during the period of myocardial recovery after systole.

Prongs and intervals

Normal in adults

A doctor can fully evaluate the electrocardiogram, since diagnosis requires knowing the symptoms of the disease and data from other research methods (blood tests, ultrasound, echocardiography). The general characteristics that a specialist evaluates in a healthy person are as follows:

Rhythm of contractions from 60 to 80 per minute.
The size of the intervals should not exceed normal values, or be shorter than the average values.
Electrical axis - normally R exceeds S in all leads except aVR, V1 - V2, sometimes V3.
The ventricular complex is not more than 120 ms.
T is positive and longer than the QRS complex.

ECG (normal)

During pregnancy

As the uterus grows, it raises the dome of the diaphragmatic septum and after 24-24 weeks, the apex of the heart shifts to the left. This is reflected on the electrocardiogram by an increase in the amplitude of R in the first, and S and Q in the third lead, the ventricular complex decreases along with the ST segment. Changes in conduction in the heart muscle are also associated with the influence of hormones produced by the placenta.

Characteristic signs:

Displacement of the axis of the heart to the left.
T biphasic and negative in the right chest leads.
The ventricular complex is wider than normal.
Accelerated rhythm, single extraordinary contractions.

Respiratory arrhythmia in pregnant women

Deviations that the device is able to detect

With the help of removing and decoding the electrocardiogram, signs of such diseases can be detected:

angina pectoris and heart attack;
type of arrhythmia, location of the pacemaker;
blockade due to reduced conductivity;
myocardial hypertrophy and its localization;
signs of myocarditis and pericarditis;
thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery;
symptoms of pulmonary hypertension;
violations of the electrolyte composition of the blood.

3rd degree AV block

Disadvantages of conducting ECG examinations

Despite the high diagnostic value, a conventional ECG cannot fix changes in the work of the heart outside the time of its removal. Therefore, along with the traditional method, the patient may be assigned additional monitoring during the day according to Holter, tests with physical activity.

Using this method, it is impossible to recognize heart murmurs, therefore, if valvular or septal defects are suspected, echocardiography, phonocardiography, or ultrasound of the heart should be performed.

If it is planned to install a stent or shunt for myocardial ischemia, then coronary angiography is required to determine the localization of the narrowing of the coronary arteries. Tumor processes are diagnosed by x-ray or MRI examination.

Actual questions of patients

The ECG method is traditional and has been used in medical practice for a long time. But patients often have concerns about its appointment. The most common questions:

Thus, an ECG is a time-tested, affordable type of diagnostics that is used both for a preventive examination during a medical examination and for making a diagnosis in the presence of complaints of a violation of the heart. Such a study is safe and informative.

How is the electrical wiring in the heart

Sinus rhythm is the normal physiological rhythm of the heart.

Clinical examination: who does not need to do an ECG

This fully applies to the ECG. As we have already said, an ECG is just a record of electrical signals that are produced in the heart, and which doctors have agreed to interpret in a certain way.

One day, a mother came to the reception with an 18-year-old daughter. In their hands was a plump volume with cardiograms, echocardiograms, extracts, appointments. The more I leafed through these documents, the more I became convinced that the girl did not have a single serious illness. All these years, she was treated for completely non-existent diseases and absolutely harmless changes on the ECG. She did not have a single complaint, she tolerated physical activity perfectly, but at the same time she was constantly convinced of the presence of a heart disease. At the end of the consultation, we had something like this dialogue:
Me: You have no diseases to treat, congratulations, you can stop taking the medication.
Mom: But she wants to go to college!
Me: Please, I'll be glad.
Mom: But she has mitral valve prolapse!
Me: In this case, this is a variant of the norm.
Mom: And here on the ECG ...
Me: This does not need to be treated, this is not a pathology, but a feature.
Mom: But the load on the heart!
Me: She has no restrictions on physical activity. You can do everything that is available to any healthy person.
Mom: And they prescribed us here ...
Me: I don't need any medicine now. Your daughter is perfectly healthy.
Mom (in despair): And what should we do now?!
Alas, in this way, through an imaginary illness, the mother tried to bind her daughter to herself. And, unfortunately, she took doctors as her allies ...

Discussion

05/16/2017 18:07:52, Petrova Svetlana

11/11/2015 01:39:14, Olga Shmurnova

Thank you for the clarification!

Comment on the article "Who should not do an ECG. About the cardiogram - in detail"

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Didn't find what you were looking for? Look at other discussions on the topic "Help, pliz, my daughter had a medical examination at school, the ECG is not good" Cardiogram. The people, no one knows what the phrase in the decoding of the cardiogram means "slowing down the beam ...

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The last time I did it was on September 14, the doctor didn’t like something there, she sent me to do it again. Is it possible to do it so often? It’s just that when the therapist didn’t like the cardiogram, they immediately sent an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram), everything turned out to be in ...

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ECG is one of the most popular diagnostic methods. It seems that he is assigned to everyone in a row. What is the reason for such popularity? And what exactly is measured using the method of electrocardiography?

The structure of the human heart has been known to us since the days of school. It consists of the "venous heart" (right atrium and right ventricle) and the "arterial heart" (left atrium and left ventricle). The atria and ventricles of both halves are interconnected by special valves that do not allow blood to move in the opposite direction.

Venous, oxygen-poor blood from the whole body enters the right atrium, from there to the right ventricle, from which it is ejected into the pulmonary circulation and goes to the lungs. There it is saturated with oxygen, after which it goes to the left atrium. From there, it enters the left ventricle and leaves through the aorta to the systemic circulation - to all organs of the body.

The cardiac muscle (myocardium) is a special kind of striated muscle. Skeletal muscles receive an electrical impulse from the brain, and the myocardium generates electricity for itself. This explains the ability of the heart to contract for some time even after detaching it from the body.

The heart has its own system for producing electricity and distributing it.

To generate an electric current, a transmembrane action potential must occur. What does it mean? The myocardial cell (cardiomyocyte) is fenced off from the external environment by a membrane. Around the cell - extracellular fluid, inside - the contents of the cell. The concentration of positively charged sodium ions outside the cell is 10 times higher than inside it. But special proteins are built into the membrane - potassium-sodium pumps. They can drag 3 sodium ions (Na +) into the cell, and at the same time take 2 potassium ions (K +) out. As a result, in this section of the membrane, its charge changes to the opposite and a zone of potential difference appears. This process is called depolarization (excitation). The depolarization zone moves further - thus, the electrical impulse propagates through the tissues of the heart. At the next stage, the cell seeks to restore its original state and the process of repolarization begins.

There are three main components of the electricity production and distribution system:

Sinoarterial (sinus) node.

It is located in the right atrium and is the main pacemaker, a kind of main "battery" of the heart. It is he who is responsible for the automatism of the heart - the ability of the myocardium to be excited without external help. It is also called the 1st order pacemaker.

atrioventricular node.

It is located between the right and left atria and is a “spare battery”, that is, it can also generate electricity, but it starts up if the sinoarterial node stops working. Accordingly, it is a pacemaker of the 2nd order. Normally, it is responsible for a slight delay in the conduction of an electrical impulse from the sinus node, which is necessary for a coordinated contraction of all parts of the heart. This is another feature of the myocardium that distinguishes this muscle from other types of striated muscles - the simultaneous contraction of all fibers.

Conductive Purkinje fibers.

A system of fibers at the base of the heart that distributes the incoming electricity to all parts of the heart: the right branch to the right ventricle, and the left branch to the left.

The founders of electrophysiology and, in particular, studies of the electrical activity of the heart were German scientists. In the middle of the 19th century, its existence was confirmed during experiments on frogs. At the same time, our compatriot I.M. Sechenov, who mentions electrical phenomena in the heart in his scientific work "On Animal Electricity". In 1873, after the invention of the mercury electrometer by Lippmann, the mechanism for the formation of an action potential during the work of the human heart was described. And in 1887, the Dutch physiologist Willem Einthoven demonstrated to the whole world his invention - a string galvanometer. Einthoven's device made it possible to record the first electrocardiogram. After 8 years, the inventor introduced the designations of the teeth of the ECG line, which modern doctors still use.

In 1901, Einthoven presented to the scientific community an apparatus weighing more than 270 kg - it was the world's first electrocardiograph. 5 people were supposed to serve him. Despite some inconvenience in use, the Einthoven machine revolutionized medicine. Almost a quarter of a century later, in 1924, the scientist was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Electrocardiography is a method that allows you to track how an electrical impulse passes through all myocardial tissues, that is, the electrical activity of the heart. To track its changes, electrodes are used, which are placed on different parts of the body. To improve conductivity, the skin is lubricated with a conductive gel. Modern devices also have filters that improve the signal.

As the impulse moves along the myocardium, the following stages are distinguished, reflected on the cardiograph tape:

P-tooth - electrical activity of the atria: the electrical potential from the sinus node spreads first through the right atrium, and then through the left. ECG fixes their total action in the form of one common tooth;
the PQ interval is the very moment of impulse delay in the atrioventricular node;
QRS complex - electrical activity of the ventricles. The electrical potential gradually spreads along the septum between the ventricles to the apex of the heart - this moment is visible on the cardiogram as an R wave. And then along the "outer" walls of the heart, the electrical potential reaches the base of the heart - and this moment is visible in the form of a reverse peak S;
ST-segment - the ventricles are contracted, but electricity does not flow through them;
T-wave - repolarization, that is, "reset" of electrical potential and preparation of the myocardium for the next contraction.

According to the changes in the cardiogram line, doctors see at what stage and how the electrical activity of the heart has changed.

ECG is one of the main methods of examination in modern medicine. Firstly, he says a lot about the work of the heart and about his health. And given that many diseases affect the heart, ECG is an extremely relevant diagnostic method. And therefore, often the results of the ECG are the reason for additional research. Secondly, it is a cheap method. No expensive reagents - only gel and a roll of tape for recording, and the results are immediately visible - sit and decipher. What does the doctor see on the cardiogram?

During the study, the frequency and regularity of heart contractions are determined. This means that the doctor can detect extraordinary contractions (extrasystoles) or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
In case of damage, death of individual sections of the heart muscle, there will be a violation of the blood supply and conduction of the electrical impulse. That is, the ECG allows you to diagnose myocardial ischemia and infarction.
Any changes in electrical activity indicate failures of intracardiac conduction, that is, it is possible to determine areas of blockades, as well as changes in myocardial tissues, for example, left ventricular hypertrophy.

Electrocardiography is a powerful diagnostic tool. But he can't do everything. For example, a standard examination using an ECG does not reveal tumors of the heart, detect murmurs, and also does not make it possible to observe hemodynamics - the direction of blood movement during heart function. To diagnose the listed conditions and pathologies, special studies are required under special conditions - daily monitoring, stress tests, etc.

Often, with changes in the electrocardiogram, the doctor directs the patient to echocardiography. Despite the name, this method is fundamentally different from the ECG. It's basically an ultrasound of the heart. And now, with the help of ultrasound, you can detect a lot of what the ECG does not “see”. EchoCG allows the doctor to observe the work of the heart "live" and, accordingly, draw conclusions about his health. During the procedure, it is possible to determine the dimensions of the entire organ and its individual sections, the thickness of the walls, to examine the vessels and valves. The doctor can measure the pressure in individual chambers of the heart and estimate the amount of blood flow.

The ECG method is being improved. The possibilities of its application are also growing.

The most popular achievement of recent years is the ability to receive ECG data on a smartphone. Special sensors, complete with an application for a mobile device, already now make it possible to track arrhythmias. True, the sensitivity of the sensors is still at the “philistine” level, that is, there is no need to talk about the accuracy of measurements. Therefore, it is impossible to carry out diagnostics on a smartphone with a sensor built into its case. But such devices, which are hazardous to health, can be traced. Data can be immediately transmitted to the network and get to the attending physician, signaling a dangerous condition for the patient.

In recent years, scientists have taken a closer look at the use of ECG in the examination of young athletes. Normally, an ECG is a mandatory step in the medical examination before a child or young person gains access to training. But observations of recent years have shown that some ECG deviations from the norm make it possible to single out people with an increased frequency of sudden cardiac death, and earlier doctors did not pay attention to such deviations. And 20% of such young athletes are recruited.

In 2012, American pediatricians proved that ECG with or without echocardiography has the potential to identify children at risk for sudden infant death syndrome. This method is currently under study.

Finally, regular ECG is useful even for people who do not have any suspicion of cardiovascular disease at all.

Domestic and foreign doctors claim that the electrocardiogram as such is a procedure that is harmless to the human body. Its harm lies only in the off-system use of the ECG - an unscheduled examination using this device can contribute to the incorrect diagnosis of the patient.

When is it better not to take this test?

Candidate of Medical Sciences A.V. Rodionov believes that there are a lot of situations when it is not necessary to take an ECG, it is superfluous. This is especially true for children and young people - each growing organism has a lot of individual developmental characteristics, and if a competent attending physician did not prescribe an electrocardiogram, you should not engage in amateur activities.
Rodionov assures that a healthy person does not need an ECG - passing this procedure as unnecessary is harmful in terms of possible subsequent incorrect interpretation of the results: a low-qualified physician can “consider” a “serious pathology” on the heartbeat gradation tape, which then will have to be “seriously treated”.
Anton Vladimirovich is convinced that a banal measurement of pressure and familiarization with the results of banal analyzes is enough for a medical professional to decide whether the patient should do an ECG or not.

Is a cardiogram dangerous in itself?

Rakesh K. Pai, MD, a cardiologist, says that an electrocardiogram "can show heart problems that would make a stress ECG unsafe." In fact, Pai's colleagues in this sense are more in favor of professional suitability - Domenico Corrado, Cristina Basso, Antonio Pellecchia and Gaetano Tiene, the authors of the collection "Sports and Cardiovascular Diseases", are seriously concerned about the problem of adequate interpretation and timely diagnosis of heart diseases using ECG. There are many examples in this book where misdiagnosis by unqualified physicians of the consequences of injuries contributed to the misinterpretation of ECG results, which, in turn, then harmed the health of athletes.

To know everything, you need to behave correctly

As the doctor of the highest category, Zakir Anvarovich Khannanov, confirms, an ECG is prescribed by a doctor if the patient himself complains of pain in the heart or problems in the work of the cardiovascular system were identified as a result of a medical examination. So that the electrocardiogram does not “fail” and, as a result, does not harm the patient himself, before the ECG, doctors do not advise excessive physical exertion of the body: the heart before the examination should work as usual, without extreme sports.
According to the therapist Z. A. Khannanov, the “harm” from the ECG lies, first of all, in the incorrect preparation of the patient for this procedure. Before passing the electrocardiogram, you can not smoke, drink coffee or strong tea (caffeine in any case will affect the results of the examination). It is advisable to eat nothing for 2 hours before the ECG. It is better not to use oil-fat creams applied to the body after a shower before taking an electrocardiogram: the electrodes are difficult to contact with “oiled” skin, which makes it difficult to obtain an ECG.

Using this method, it is possible not only to detect a violation of the heart rhythm, but also to assess the state of the myocardium. Our article will tell you in detail about the features of the study and how often an ECG can be done.

How does an electrocardiograph work?

An electrocardiograph records cardiac electrical potentials. The cardiogram is recorded using electrodes attached to the body of the subject. The main parts of this device are:

the system responsible for increasing the heart rate;
galvanometer;
registrar;
switch.

The electrocardiograph receives a weak electrical impulse from the heart muscle, which occurs in the patient. Further, it is perceived by the electrodes, after which they are amplified and captured by a galvanometer. Any change in the electromagnetic field is recorded, after which it is recorded by recorders on a paper tape that moves evenly.

The result is a kind of graph that displays the work of the cardiac departments. It is expressed in teeth of different sizes. The length of the graph depends on how strong the signal comes from a particular department. The electrocardiograph does not interfere with the functioning of the body, it simply registers the work of the heart.

In addition, this device does not emit ionizing radiation, which are observed in computed tomographs, X-ray installations, and magnetic fields are not generated, as in a magnetic resonance tomograph. The operation of this device is based on recording the electrical potentials created by the heart muscle and issuing a cardiogram, which is deciphered by specialists.

Variant of the normal ECG

After that, the cardiologist gives a conclusion about the work of the heart muscle, its condition. Based on this, it is important not only to correctly remove, but also to decrypt the resulting recording. For a long time, through experiment, a norm was established that one or another tooth height should correspond to, any deviation indicates the presence of a certain problem. Only by correctly deciphering the result, you can accurately diagnose the patient.

Is it possible to do an ECG often?

Based on the foregoing, we can make a well-founded conclusion that this examination does not belong to the category that is harmful to the health of the body. Since it only takes heart rate indicators, it does not emit radiation at all and does not have any effect on human health. In addition, there are professions where people constantly experience serious stress and, in connection with this, they are electrocardiographed daily, which proves the complete safety of this study.

Many people have an opinion that if the device is allowed to examine children and pregnant women, then it is harmless. And this is true, since pregnant women and children under the age of 14 are among the most vulnerable categories. This is due to the fact that the child's body and the growing fetus are quite susceptible to any adverse effects. An ECG is allowed to be done for these categories, and the amount that is needed to clarify the diagnosis.

How often can the examination be carried out?

Unfortunately, modern life is characterized by a serious rhythm, in connection with which the mortality rate, which is caused by cardiovascular diseases, is increasing. Therefore, the most reliable way of early diagnosis is this method of examination.

The attending physician decides how often an ECG should be done, taking into account the individual characteristics, the patient's medical history. In the study of electrocardiography, you can use the principle "better often than less". Nevertheless, it makes no sense to conduct a study every day.

an adult healthy person is allowed to do an ECG of the heart no more than 1 time per year;
if the profession involves professional risks, then it is advisable to do the study every six months;
in professional athletes, the frequency of diagnostics is controlled by a sports doctor;
elderly people can be examined more often, at least 1 time in 3 months.

Athletes are often prescribed an ECG with a load

The frequency of an electrocardiogram, unlike research methods that are harmful to human health, does not have an exact limit in its number. An ECG for preventive purposes must be done at least once a year, this is especially true for people who have crossed the 40-year mark.

In what cases is it necessary for a pregnant woman to do an ECG often?

A pregnant woman, based on the standards, undergoes a one-time study when she is registered. However, if there are any complaints or suspicions of cardiac pathology, the doctor can send the expectant mother for examination for as long as necessary. Usually, among the reasons that affect the increase in the number of ECGs, the following stand out:

drops in blood pressure;
fainting state;
dizziness;
the presence of pain in the left chest;
frequent heartbeat;
the appearance of shortness of breath;
prolonged toxicosis.

In addition, this diagnosis can be carried out in any amount while being in any month of pregnancy, it is completely safe for both the woman and the baby.

Examination of children

Often this examination is carried out in children, since this category often suffers from cardiac disorders, and you can find out about the presence of pathology from the cardiogram. Detection of the disease at an early stage is the key to successful treatment. Usually children under 3 years old are examined annually, then an ECG is done before school, then at 13 years old. After that, until the child reaches the age of 17, diagnostics are carried out annually.

An hour before the ECG, children should exclude any outdoor games.

When some deviations are observed in children, doctors recommend that they be examined more often. The number of annual studies depends on the condition of the child. More frequent ECGs include:

the presence of cardiovascular diseases;
the presence of a heart rhythm disorder;
endocrine pathologies;
high blood pressure;
predisposition to frequent viral diseases;
increased fatigue of the child;
the presence of a cyanotic shade on the skin during any physical activity, in infants during breast sucking.

ECG is a safe method for diagnosing children, which allows you to detect serious pathologies in a timely manner, so mothers should not be afraid of a frequent number of procedures. Of course, despite the complete safety of the technique, an ECG should not be done daily, it would be pointless, but if necessary, then a more frequent study is possible than is required by age standards.

Electrocardiography – proven safety over a century of use

Electrocardiography is an inexpensive, accessible, informative and safe research method that has been serving mankind for more than 100 years. It was invented at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and has not lost its relevance to this day. This brilliant invention in the field of physiology and medicine continues to develop, which means that practicing doctors even in the 21st century have a need for this type of research.

Electrocardiography is prescribed so often that each of us has had to do it at least once. Are there any restrictions for conducting this study: how many times you need to examine the heart, how often you need to undergo this procedure during the year, is it possible to do it during pregnancy?

The principles on which electrocardiography is based are safe, and therefore the study itself is safe.

The operation of an electrocardiograph is based on recording the electrical potentials of the heart during its operation. A cardiogram is recorded by means of electrodes that are attached to the patient's body. The electrocardiograph does not interfere with the work of the body, simply being a recorder of the work of the heart muscle. It does not emit ionizing radiation like X-ray machines and CT scanners; does not generate a magnetic field like an MRI. The device only records the electrical potentials created by the heart and, upon completion of work, produces a cardiogram, which is deciphered by a cardiologist or therapist. It is the doctor who writes the conclusion about the condition of the heart and its function, therefore, at the end of the procedure, the results must be shown to the specialist.

If it is safe for pregnant women and children, is it safe for everyone else?

Many patients instinctively judge the safety of a study by whether it is administered to children and pregnant women. And in many ways this is the right approach, since women who are expecting a baby and children under the age of 14 are the most vulnerable categories of patients. A developing fetus and a growing child's body are most susceptible to adverse factors: ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields, and so on. So, an ECG can be done, and besides, you need to do it for children and pregnant women.

When registering in a antenatal clinic for pregnancy, a woman must undergo a cardiogram!

In addition, if there are indications (toxicosis, pressure surges, shortness of breath, preeclampsia, fainting), the ECG can be performed repeatedly. Such a study is absolutely safe for the health of the mother and the development of the fetus. It is better to conduct an additional electrocardiographic study than to miss the onset of a severe complication.

The need for electrocardiography in theoretically healthy patients

No matter how sad it may sound, but in the XXI century - the century of advanced diagnostic technologies and progressive treatment, the mortality of people around the world from cardiovascular diseases remains in the first place. Therefore, in the case of an ECG, the principle “more is better than less” is the most correct one. Such an examination should be carried out at least once a year, and in the presence of occupational risks (for example, heavy physical exertion) - twice a year. Elderly people can be examined once a quarter, and athletes - as often as recommended by a sports doctor.

Unlike radiography or other methods based on the use of ionizing radiation, there are no restrictions on the number of ECGs per year. The main rule of electrocardiography is at least once a year.

Even children know that an EKG is painless and fast.

The electrocardiographic examination lasts about 10 minutes, including laying the patient on the couch. Immediately before the study, while waiting for your turn in the corridor, you need to rest, catch your breath so that the pulse returns to normal. In the ECG room, the lower part of the shins and torso must be freed from clothing, since the electrodes are applied to the chest, shins and forearms. Breathe normally while recording heart activity, do not be nervous, so as not to distort the results of a high pulse rate. The classic ECG records how the heart works in its normal state of relaxation and rest.

Do not miss the onset of the disease - half the success in its treatment

Everyone knows that it is easier to treat the initial forms of diseases than the advanced ones, however, many patients treat their health with disdain. ECG is a cheap diagnostic method, available even in sparsely populated corners of Russia. In addition, it is informative for any pathology of the heart and is safe. Electrocardiography can and should be performed when there is discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, palpitations, pressure surges and fainting, as these symptoms may be the initial signs of abnormalities in the functioning of the heart muscle.

How is an electrocardiogram done?

ECG during pregnancy: is it harmful?

One of the mandatory procedures that a pregnant woman has to undergo is an ECG. The reason for this need is hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother, which often lead to changes in the work of the heart.

In order to timely detect possible deviations and take corrective measures, electrocardiography is done.

What are the features of the ECG during pregnancy? Is it harmful?

We want to reassure you right away: an ECG is an absolutely safe diagnostic procedure. Sensors will be attached to your body, which will take indicators of cardiac activity, without affecting your body in any way, without emitting anything, without making any sounds - only by registering. The study will take no more than five minutes.

Important: before the ECG, you should not eat up, but you should not be very hungry either. All this can distort the result: for example, a frequent occurrence during pregnancy is a strong increase in heart rate after eating.

It is better if the meal takes place one and a half to two hours before the procedure. It is also important to sit quietly and rest for 15 minutes before cardiography, not to worry about anything. And during the procedure itself, also lie relaxed, breathe calmly and not think about anything.

A few words about deciphering the ECG during pregnancy

We will not go into medical subtleties and complex terminology. Any malfunctions in the work of the heart will immediately be seen on the chart by a specialist and will explain to you in simple words. The main thing to know is that the normal heart rate is beats per minute.

But pregnant women often have a slightly accelerated (tachycardia) and less often, slow (bradycardia) heartbeat, and this is normal. You should not worry if the pulse does not exceed 100 beats at low pressure.

Some mothers have a pulse even at rest, and at the same time there is no danger to health! So do not rush to worry if some indicators deviate from the norm. Your doctor will tell you more.

How often is an EKG done during pregnancy?

At least once - when registering with a antenatal clinic. But if there are complaints or certain indications, the doctor will prescribe a second cardiography.

These indications include:

pressure surges;
palpitations, shortness of breath;
pain in the left side of the chest;
fainting or frequent dizziness;
various complications of pregnancy (severe toxicosis, preeclampsia, low or polyhydramnios).

In general, an ECG can be done at least several times a day: there will be no harm to the body from this, so do not worry.

This procedure is familiar to many from childhood and does not cause concern. Therefore, the question often asked by women - is it harmful to do an ECG during pregnancy - most often refers to the cardiogram of the fetus, and not mommy. And it is called a little differently, and we will talk about it now.

Fetal ECG (CTG) during pregnancy

CTG (cardiotocography) displays not only the heart rate of the child, but also the movements of the baby, and the frequency of uterine contractions (before childbirth). This diagnostic procedure is also completely safe and does not cause discomfort. Sensors are placed on the belly of the pregnant woman, recording the necessary indicators within minutes, the decoding of which is immediately performed by the doctor.

One of the measured parameters is the basal fetal heart rate (the baby's pulse at rest, between contractions). Normally, it is beats per minute. If the pulse is - or beat.min. this indicates mild violations, and if less than 100 or more than 180, the condition is considered dangerous for the child.

Another indicator is fetal heart rate variability. This is the difference in the fetal heart rate at rest and during contractions or movements. The norm is the difference in beats per minute, tolerable - 5-9 or more than 25 bpm. dangerous - less than 5 bpm.

Also, indicators of acceleration and deceleration are taken into account - acceleration or deceleration of the baby's pulse by 15 or more beats per minute, but longer in time than in the previous parameter.

The baby's reaction (change in heart rate) to movement, stimulation, or sound is also examined. Acceleration is considered a normal phenomenon - an increase in the heart rate under these influences.

All these indicators in total give doctors an understanding of the condition of the child and the course of the birth process (if CTG is done during childbirth). With the help of this diagnostic method, in combination with ultrasound and Doppler data, it is possible to identify signs of fetal hypoxia, decide on the stimulation of labor or the need for a caesarean section.

CTG is prescribed no earlier than at 32 weeks of gestation: there is no point in doing it earlier because of the reactions of the baby’s body that are not fully formed (there will be erroneous results).

So, to summarize: both ECG and CTG are absolutely harmless procedures for mom and baby, painless and not causing any inconvenience. There are no contraindications for pregnant women. In general, doctors say that it would be ideal to use CTG in all births, and first of all, in those where there are some complications (premature or late birth, breech presentation, etc.).

It is the safety of this diagnostic method that allows it to be used daily and for a long time in order to monitor the condition of the mother and child. Easy pregnancy and a healthy baby to all mothers!

8 indicators for deciphering echocardioscopy of the heart

Echocardioscopy of the heart is a study of the structure of the heart and its work using ultrasound. It can be performed at any age (even in the fetus), has practically no contraindications. The study allows you to identify defects, impaired contractility, inflammation and tumors of the heart. For a correct assessment of the study data, it is necessary to follow some preparation rules, which we will discuss in this article.

What diseases are detected by the examination

Echocardioscopy is used to detect such diseases:

heart defects
thoracic aortic aneurysm
heart tumors
heart aneurysm
intracardiac thrombi
ischemic heart disease, including myocardial infarction
cardiomyopathy
endo-, myo-, pericarditis
some other pathology.

The study does not analyze the nature of the heart rhythm (only the order of contraction of the heart chambers and the frequency of contractions is determined) - for this, an electrocardiogram is used in a comprehensive examination.

Research types

EchoCS is conditionally divided into three groups:

methods for imaging the structures of the heart: one-dimensional and two-dimensional study
methods for assessing blood circulation in the heart and large vessels extending from it: dopplerography (it can be pulsed, continuous and color two-dimensional, each has its own indications)
additional methods: transesophageal, contrast and stress echocardiography (they are carried out only as prescribed by a cardiologist, in a clinic equipped with a cardioreanimation unit).

What is the difference between echocardiography and echocardiography? It doesn't matter what you call this study to the medical staff, you will be understood unambiguously.

By the term "echocardiography" doctors mean either an ultrasound of the heart as a science, or an ultrasound of the heart with a graphic image of the heart printed. "Echocardioscopy" - observation, visualization of the heart in real time on the monitor screen, without printing the image.

Who needs to be tested

Ultrasound of the heart for a child and an adult is performed in the following cases:

when listening to noises by a doctor using a phonendoscope
with marked changes on the ECG
if there are complaints of interruptions in the heart rhythm
shortness of breath during physical work or at rest
chest pain
if there is an increase in blood pressure
after a heart attack (the diagnosis itself is made by ECG and a blood test for troponins)
in rheumatic diseases
with flu or sore throat, if there are complaints of pain in the heart, arrhythmias or shortness of breath
with varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Fetal echocardioscopy is performed during pregnancy (usually a week before) in perinatal centers in such cases:

pregnant woman suffering from heart disease
already born children with heart defects
pregnant woman with diabetes
a woman takes certain medicines (for example, anticonvulsants) for health reasons during pregnancy
during the first screening, deviations from the thickness of the collar space were noticed, while amnio- or cordocentesis did not show deviations (the collar zone may increase due to the fact that the heart does not cope well with the load)
a second screening ultrasound revealed abnormalities in the size or function of the heart
with intrauterine growth retardation of the baby
the woman suffered from infectious diseases during pregnancy
some malformations were noted on a planned ultrasound (they can also be combined with heart disease).

How to prepare for the procedure

Preparation for the study is not required. For small children (newborns and infants), it is desirable that they sleep during the procedure. Such patients need to be fed one and a half to two hours before the ultrasound, bring those who are falling asleep or sleeping. Feeding immediately before the procedure is not recommended.

Adults with a pulse more than 90 and / or an increase in the "upper" blood pressure above 160 mm Hg. it is imperative to consult with a cardiologist about taking medications to eliminate these symptoms, otherwise the study will have errors.

Performing a procedure

Let's talk about how echocardioscopy is done.

The patient comes to the office, undresses to the waist, so that the chest area is accessible to the researcher.
Then you need to lie down.
A gel is applied to the skin, which is needed so that air does not get under the ultrasonic sensor.
The sensor is placed in one of the intercostal spaces to the left of the sternum, one ultrasound section of the heart is obtained.
Measurements are taken from this position, and the movement of valves, septa and contraction of the heart cavities are monitored online (that is, in real time).
Further, in the course of the study, the sensor is displaced along the intercostal space, placed under and above the sternum, its scanning plane is changed, making all new measurements and observing the contractions of the heart from different positions.
Also, from different positions, the characteristics of blood flow are assessed using Doppler.

There should be no discomfort or discomfort during the examination. It lasts about 40 minutes, after which you almost immediately receive a conclusion from a sonologist.

How to decode research

quantify systolic and diastolic ventricular function
determine the size of the heart chambers
find out the thickness of the walls in different parts of the heart
assess the condition of the heart muscle
measure pressure in the pulmonary trunk
quantify the type and extent of valvular changes.

The interpretation of the obtained data is carried out by comparing the measured parameters with their standard values. So, for a comprehensive assessment of the structure and function of the heart, the following indicators are used:

for valves - opening diameter and hole area
for the cavities of the heart: anterior-posterior size, pressure in the cavity (meaning the ventricle) at the end of diastole, the size of the cavity at the end of systole and diastole
interventricular septal thickness (IVS)
stroke volume (SV) of the left ventricle, cardiac index (CI) and minute volume (MOV) of the heart (interrelated calculated indicators)
peak diastolic filling rates
maximum line speed
pressure gradient between the chambers of the heart
fluid in the pericardial cavity.

The norm of the main indicators measured during echocardiography:

Aorta: valve opening: 1.50-2.60 cm, opening area - more than 2 square meters. cm
Left ventricle: KDR (end-diastolic size) - 3.70-5.60 cm, KDD (diameter at the end of diastole) - 5.8-154 ml; KSO (volume at the end of systole) - ml, VR - ml, SI - 2-4.1 l / sq. meter of body area
Pulmonary artery: diameter - up to 3 cm, ring - 1.81-2.50 cm
Right ventricle: anterior-posterior size - up to 32 mm
interventricular septum - 0.6-1.1 cm.

In children and fetuses, the norms differ from those of adults, depend on age (gestational age), are recorded in special tables, which are checked by an ultrasound doctor.

Where to get researched

With the referral of a cardiologist, you can undergo echocardioscopy in a polyclinic at your place of residence, a large hospital that has a cardiology department, as well as on the basis of state cardiodispensaries. The cost of the study in these cases is minimal (about 250 rubles), you can even get an ultrasound of the heart for free.

In multidisciplinary medical centers and specialized clinics, you can also undergo this type of study. In this case, it is not even necessary to have a doctor's referral. The average price of EchoKS in such institutions is about 2000 rubles, the range is from 1400 to 4000 thousand rubles.

Patient opinion

Reviews of the study are positive: this precise and painless procedure provided patients with treatments that helped them. In some cases, it was necessary to supplement echocardioscopy with other, more specific studies (for example, coronary angiography), but this does not indicate the shortcomings of the technique, but its specificity.

Thus, echocardioscopy of the heart is a simple, inexpensive and accurate diagnostic technique that allows you to clarify the nature of cardiac pathology, assess the degree of risk of the disease in the occurrence of life-threatening disorders. The method is widely used in clinical practice: today there is not a single area of cardiology in which the results of this study would not be needed.

Electrocardiography

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a non-invasive test that provides valuable information about the condition of the heart. The essence of this method is to register the electrical potentials that occur during the work of the heart and their graphic display on a display or paper.

So what is an ECG for? An electrocardiogram (ECG) is done to:

check the electrical activity of the heart;
to determine the cause of unexplained chest pain, which may be caused by a myocardial infarction, inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart (pericarditis), or angina pectoris;
find the cause of symptoms of cardiovascular disease, such as shortness of breath. dizziness, fainting, or palpitations;
find out if the walls of the chambers of the heart are too enlarged (hypertrophied);
to check how well drugs work and whether they cause side effects from the heart;
to test how well mechanical devices implanted in the heart, such as pacemakers, work;
check heart health for other diseases or conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol. smoking, diabetes mellitus or aggravated heredity for heart disease (in men under the age of 55, in women - up to 65 years).

How is an EKG done?

No special preparation is required for this study. The patient is placed on the couch in the supine position. When performing a standard electrocardiographic study, one electrode lubricated with contact gel is applied to each limb and 6 electrodes to the chest. After applying the electrodes, an ECG is taken. The study usually lasts no more than 5 minutes. After the ECG is done, the patient receives the ECG itself and its description - a transcript, which shows the ECG.

Disadvantages of resting ECG:

A resting ECG may not reveal an existing disease (cardiac arrhythmias, coronary heart disease) - an exercise ECG or 24-hour ECG monitoring is required.
Some of the violations that the ECG shows can be non-specific and are often regarded as a variant of the norm.

ECG of pregnant women with suspected heart disease: is the procedure harmful for the baby?

One of the mandatory diagnostics that you need to undergo during pregnancy is an ECG. The reason for the examination is a hormonal failure, which can adversely affect the heart health of the expectant mother. Is it possible to do an ECG during pregnancy and is it harmful? About everything in order.

What is an EKG?

ECG, or electrocardiography, is one of the oldest methods for checking the functionality of the cardiovascular system, which allows you to detect serious diseases and pathologies in the early stages of development. Determines the activity of the heart and captures the data on graph paper.

Why is an EKG done during pregnancy?

ECG during childbearing is the only method by which it is realistic to diagnose the functionality of the heart muscle in expectant mothers, as they complain about:

shortness of breath.
Cardiopalmus.
Rapid fatigue.
Painful sensations in the chest.

Already during the first months of pregnancy in women, cardiac output increases, peripheral edema appears and the jugular vein pulsates strongly. Only an ECG during pregnancy will help to understand the real cause of pain in the heart and distinguish them from such ailments:

Muscle spasm.
Gastroesophageal reflux.
Pneumonia.
Compression of the esophagus.
Gastritis.
Panic attack, etc.

How to prepare for the procedure

Special preparation of the ECG does not require. Experts recommend:

Do not eat 2.5 hours before the diagnosis.
Do not be nervous.
Sit quietly before the procedure for minutes.

How is an EKG done for pregnant women

The study consists of several stages:

The woman exposes her lower leg, forearms and chest, lies down on the couch.
On these areas, the specialist applies a gel that improves the permeability of the current, and attaches the electrodes.
The cardiograph is launched, after which the work of the organ is recorded.

Is it possible for pregnant women to do an ECG often?

According to the standard, the study is done only once when the patient is registered in the antenatal clinic. But if complaints appear, or the doctor suspects the presence of cardiac pathologies, the pregnant woman is urgently sent for an ECG.

Reasons for re-examination of the heart:

Sharp drops in blood pressure.
Fainting and dizziness.
Dull pain in left chest.
Rapid heart contraction.
Troubled breathing.
Protracted toxicosis.

It is allowed to do a cardiogram at any period of pregnancy and not worry that it is dangerous for mother and child.

Features of the ECG of pregnant women

When analyzing diagnostic data, specialists take into account the physiological characteristics of the patient. For example: bearing a child provokes an increase in heart rate. This is due to the fact that the pressure on the heart gradually increases, and it needs to process a lot of blood. In parallel with this, the heart rate should not be more than 80 rubles / min.

During pregnancy, an extrasystole may appear - additional heart contractions. This is due to the fact that during pregnancy, excitation manifests itself not only in the sinus angle, but throughout the heart. If an atrial or ventricular contraction is systematically recorded in a future mother, she will be prescribed an additional examination.

In case of a bad ECG during pregnancy, the patient needs to be re-diagnosed. When the results are repeated, a woman is prescribed an ultrasound diagnosis of the heart, which can identify the cause of failures and select the optimal therapy.

Why Do Pregnant Women Have Heart Problems?

Provoke ailments can:

Mental disorders.
Hormonal disruptions.
Diseases of the central nervous system.
hereditary heart disease.
Exacerbation of existing cardiac ischemia, myocarditis.
congenital defects.
Neoplasms in the heart.

Deciphering the results

The decryption of the received data should be carried out by a qualified specialist. The only thing a woman can see herself is her pulse rate. Normally, this figure varies within r / min.

Important! Pregnant women are characterized by tachycardia and bradycardia, so if the pulse is 100 beats per minute with normal blood pressure, a woman does not need to worry.

For some women, the normal heart rate is r/min, so if you don’t know your body well, you don’t need to jump to conclusions on the cardiogram. In any case, if the ECG norm is violated, the pregnant woman is sent to a cardiologist who will select her treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics and nature of the disease.

ECG of the unborn child

A fetal ECG during pregnancy is called cardiotocography. This diagnostic shows the following data:

Baby's heart rate.
The movement of the fetus in the womb.
The regularity of uterine contractions (if an ECG is performed for pregnant women shortly before childbirth).

The procedure is completely safe and does not bring discomfort to mother and child. To conduct it, sensors are placed on the woman’s stomach, which record the required information for forty minutes. Decryption is carried out by a specialist immediately.

Indicators that measure cardiotocography:

Pulse. Normal - within the limits / min. If minor deviations up or down are recorded, this indicates minor violations. Scores below 100 or above 180 are considered a dangerous symptom.
Heart rate variability or pulse rates in a calm and active state of the baby. The difference between these figures is within r./min. Violations of 5 strokes in both directions are not considered a dangerous symptom. But if the baby's pulse rates in a calm and mobile state differ by only 5 beats, this signals serious problems.
The reaction of the child to external movements, music or stimulation. If the baby's heartbeat is quickening, then everything is in order.

The above criteria give doctors the opportunity to understand the condition of the child and the correctness of his development. Cardiotocography, together with other diagnostics, helps to detect fetal hypoxia, and in the worst case, affects the decision to artificial birth or caesarean section.

The study is scheduled only after the 32nd week of pregnancy. Previously, it is not carried out, because the fetus has not yet fully formed reactions to external stimuli.

Finally

Electrocardiography during pregnancy and fetal cardiotocography are universal methods for checking health. Due to the harmlessness, effectiveness and lack of inconvenience during the procedure, they help in time to detect and eliminate ailments that interfere with the comfortable bearing of a child.

More and more specialists are seeking to introduce CTG during childbirth, especially those where some complications are possible.