What is an ecg is it harmful to do it often. An ECG is the easiest way to take care of your heart health. Features of the ECG of pregnant women

More than a century has passed since scientists discovered the ability of the heart to generate electrical impulses in small doses.

This discovery marked the beginning of the science of electrocardiology, of which electrocardiography is an integral part. This section studies the electrical current that occurs in the heart, or affects it from the outside.

Electrocardiography is able to record the electrical potentials that occur during relaxation and contraction of the myocardium in a certain time interval.

These impulses spread throughout the body and reach the skin.

A special device - an electrocardiograph - captures these potentials and produces a result in the form of a graphic image, called an electrocardiogram. It can be printed on paper or displayed on the monitor screen.

Electrocardiography can serve various purposes:

Evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac drugs, a pacemaker and other methods of ongoing therapy.
To identify and track the dynamics of the development of such heart diseases as arrhythmia, disorders of intracardiac conduction (blockade) and metabolism necessary for the functioning of the heart (potassium, magnesium, calcium). Here you can also determine myocardial damage, the physical condition of the organ, acute cardiac pathologies and non-cardiac diseases (for example, pulmonary embolism).

An ECG is a very simple procedure with practically no contraindications. It is allowed to do it to women during pregnancy and even to newborns upon discharge from the hospital. In emergency cases, the cardiogram is taken by an ambulance paramedic in a special car, at the patient's home, and even on the street.

Most often, the procedure is carried out in district clinics, hospitals, specialized clinics, spa facilities. It takes no more than 10 minutes and does not cause any discomfort to the subject.

However, with all the positive aspects, electrocardiography also has disadvantages. Here, the short duration of the procedure is most often noted.

The principle of operation of any electrocardiograph is based on the propagation of cardiac impulses. They are able to move by reducing the polarization of the cell electrodes. At rest, the surfaces of all muscle cells in the heart are positively charged.

At such a moment there is no potential difference and, accordingly, it is impossible to register an electric field.

Electrical impulses in the heart usually originate in the sinoatrial (sinus) node.

It is located near the superior vena cava in the right atrium. The node is a specialized cell that has the ability to automatically generate electrical impulses. The latter spread from the sinoatrial node first to the right, then to the left atrium.

The result of the propagation of electrical signals through the atria and ventricles is their contraction. The result is blood flow to the lungs and into the circulatory system.

Cardiogram of the heart: registration technique and scope

Registration by an electrocardiograph of a potential difference between two points of the electric field of the heart is called a lead.

When recording a cardiogram of the heart, standard leads are recorded from two limbs by alternately pairing the electrodes. Three standard positions form a triangular figure (Einthoven's triangle).

Recording of the cardiogram of the heart is carried out in a calm state of the patient. In some cases, the specialist fixes the ECG on inspiration, asking the patient to take a deep breath.

When analyzing ECG results, the cardiologist must have the necessary knowledge and skills to decipher the graphic image.

Electrocardiography is prescribed not only for existing heart diseases or suspicion of them. The doctor may recommend an ECG as a preventive measure, as well as during medical examinations and annual medical examinations.

In the absence of suspicions of the presence of deviations, a cardiogram of the heart is done upon receipt of a medical book for employment. For children, an ECG is done upon admission to the kindergarten, and according to the new rules, it is required to provide it to the head of the sports section, the guys involved in it. In addition, often an ECG is done to pregnant women before childbirth. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be examined without fail, even in the absence of indications.

The direction for the study is given by the attending physician or cardiologist. Indications for an urgent procedure are pain in the heart, fainting, dizziness, hypertension, swelling of the legs, weakness in the joints.

Electrocardiography: types of diagnostics

The first device capable of recording a high-quality ECG was a string galvanometer designed by V. Einthoven. Its basis was a very thin thread, which was in a magnetic field under a certain voltage. He created a new direction in the physiology of blood circulation - the electrophysiology of the heart.

The first such technique was very bulky and weighed 270 kg.

V. Einthoven marked the main teeth, intervals and segments of the ECG, as well as calculated their time intervals. He also proposed a system for the location of electrodes on the surface of the patient's body. These data are used by cardiologists to this day.

The jagged edges are the ups and downs in the graphic. A segment in electrocardiography is a section of a straight line between two teeth. An electrocardiogram is able to show cardiac dysfunction in the early stages, as well as to consider the possibilities for the development of serious pathologies.

However, the ECG does not always accurately determine the presence of the disease. For example, a violation of the rhythm of the heart (arrhythmia) at the time of the study at rest may "hide" and not manifest itself.

Therefore, the specialist chooses a different examination method, there are only a few of them:

At rest is the most commonly used standard method. The patient lies on the couch in a relaxed state.
With load- during this procedure, the doctor will first take the readings of the electrocardiograph, then ask the patient to perform a simple physical exercise (tilts, squats), after which he will again examine with the help of the device. In addition, it is possible to use other methods - bicycle ergometry and treadmill test. In the first case, a bicycle ergometer is used (a device similar to an exercise bike with varying pedal resistance), in the second, a treadmill (moving track). With each type of examination, electrodes connected to a computer are applied to the patient's body. The doctor during the procedure controls and analyzes the indications.
Daily (Holter) monitoring This method is the most time consuming. When using it, adhesive electrodes are attached to the body of the subject. They are connected to the device, which is attached to the belt or worn over the shoulder on a belt. It weighs no more than half a kilogram, so it does not cause any particular inconvenience.

The patient should keep a diary, which indicates information about changes in physical activity, emotional overload, time of medication, sleep and wakefulness. Here he describes the pain in the region of the heart and the feeling of discomfort that may occur during certain activities.

There are two options for Holter monitoring: full-scale and fragmentary.

The first continues continuously for 1-3 days, as a result, giving accurate and complete information about abnormalities in the work of the heart.

Fragmentary monitoring can stretch for a longer period. It is resorted to only when failures of cardiac activity appear infrequently. Electrocardiography in this case is carried out using a special device.

To register deviations, the subject turns on the ECG recording button when pain occurs. The device for such a study is very miniature: it can be a pocket version or a device in the form of a wrist watch.

A sterile electrode is inserted into the esophagus. This is usually done through the nasopharynx, less often through the mouth. The patient must make swallowing movements. But do not be afraid - the transesophageal electrophysiological examination of the heart (TEPFI) probe is thin and its insertion is usually not difficult. At the same time, electrodes are attached to the chest to record the electrocardiogram.

The electrode is inserted approximately 40 cm where the heart is closest to the esophagus. After that, they begin to record the cardiogram, and weak electrical signals to the heart begin to be applied to the probe, causing it to contract more often.

At the end of the study, the electrode is removed from the esophagus.

In electrocardiography, there are instrumental methods for studying the work of the heart muscle. These include, for example, phonocardiography. In this case, a special microphone captures the sounds made during excitation and relaxation of the heart muscle. As a rule, listening is carried out by an experienced specialist with good hearing, who is able to separate murmurs and heart sounds from pathological sounds.

In the book by V.V. Murashko "Electrocardiography" other methods of conducting the study are also given. Its cost is low, but it will be very useful for those who want to master the basics of ECG.

How to do an ECG: preparation and procedure

For those who do not know how to do an ECG correctly, do not worry: electrocardiography does not require special training. However, some nuances still exist. It is advisable to refrain from eating heavy meals 2 hours before the procedure.

Also, do not be nervous, play sports, drink energy cocktails or alcohol, as well as strong coffee or tea. Before the examination, women do not need to apply lotion or cream to the body, they should remove any jewelry from the wrists and chest area: bracelets, rings, chains, etc.

The chest electrodes have a special pear-suction cup, which sticks to the body due to the vacuum created. The specialist taking the readings knows perfectly well how to do an ECG correctly, so he is unlikely to be able to confuse the wires connecting the suction cups to the device.

Before starting work, the device must be warmed up (3-5 minutes are enough). After that, the position of the pen of the recorder is corrected, giving a calibration signal by turning on a special button.

There are no contraindications for an ECG - the study can be carried out even in infants.

At the same time, the procedure for taking data from a child is similar to that carried out by adults. Only the result will be different - for example, babies have a higher heart rate.

Some kids are afraid of all people in white coats, so they can be very worried before the procedure. Before it starts, parents should relieve stress in children - give a favorite toy, show a funny picture or photo (you can use it on your phone). An older child can be told in advance about the study and shown in a playful way how to do an ECG correctly.

The examination procedure can cause difficulties in individuals with complex chest injuries, with a high degree of obesity or excessive chest hairiness - in this case, the electrodes will not fit snugly on the skin, and the examination result will be distorted. The presence of a pacemaker will also lead to incorrect results.

Transesophageal examination should not be performed in the presence of tumors or other diseases of the esophagus. ECG with exercise is contraindicated in acute infectious diseases, chronic heart failure, coronary heart disease, complex arrhythmias, in the acute period of myocardial infarction. Also, you should not do this with an exacerbation of diseases of other body systems - urinary, respiratory, digestive.

Normal cardiogram of a healthy heart and what it looks like

In a healthy adult, a normal ECG (cardiogram of a healthy heart) is considered to be in sinus rhythm.

Heart rate (HR) is 60-80 beats per minute, EOS (electrical axis of the heart) - in the standard position.

The PQ interval (the period of the excitation wave passing through the atria and the atrioventricular node to the ventricular myocardium) is 0.12-0.18 sec. (up to 0.2).

Changes in rhythm or tone (arrhythmia, bradycardia, tachycardia) were not detected.

Increased heart rate is possible in pregnant women or overly emotional individuals. In elderly patients, on the contrary, there is a slowing of the heart rate or morphological pathologies of the myocardium.

Only a specialist with a medical education is able to correctly decipher the cardiogram and describe the obtained ECG parameters.

Electrocardiography is capable of diagnosing with great accuracy various diseases of the cardiovascular system - ischemia, abnormalities in the development of conduction pathways, cardiac aneurysm, extrasystole, angina pectoris, and many others.

The most serious diagnosis in electrocardiography is myocardial infarction. It is here that you can first detect areas of damaged or dead tissue, determine the specific location (in which wall of the heart) and the depth of the lesion. ECG easily distinguishes the acute phase of a heart attack from old scars and aneurysms.

With a heart attack, the ECG procedure is performed more than once. The first time this happens is at the first contact with the patient - at home, in the ambulance or in the emergency room of the hospital. If there are no changes in the graphic image, but if symptoms are present, the procedure is repeated after 6 hours - by this time the symptoms usually appear in full force.

After that, the diagnosis is carried out daily, and in case of recovery - once every few days. Thus, for the entire period of the patient is examined at least 10 times.

The patient should always remember that only a specialist should take care of his health. This fully applies to the procedure of electrocardiography. You can not neglect the appointment of a doctor and you should not try to decipher the ECG yourself, even if you are sure that the result will be a normal cardiogram.

The cardiogram of a healthy heart, as well as an ECG with deviations, can only be read correctly by a doctor.

Only a person with a medical education is able to assess the data obtained as a result of the examination, clinical symptoms and the result of the study, assessing the risk of a critical condition. Otherwise, there is a possibility of underestimation of the ECG, which can lead to fatal consequences.

Electrocardiography (ECG) is used to diagnose diseases of the cardiovascular system. How an ECG is done depends on the type of study. The overlay scheme and marking of the electrodes will differ for different methods.

Electrocardiography is a non-invasive technology for graphic recording of the potential difference of the electric field generated during the work of the heart. It is carried out using an electrocardiograph.

Electrocardiograph

The device has electrodes that are attached to certain points on the patient's body. They pick up the electrical impulses of the heart, which, after amplification, are recorded by a galvanometer and recorded on paper using curved lines. The result is a cardiogram, which is subject to further decoding by a cardiologist or therapist.

Goal and tasks

The removal of an electrocardiogram is necessary for the diagnosis of disorders in the work of the heart, and is also an indispensable element of the annual medical examination of the population. Cardiologists recommend an ECG every year for all people over 40 years of age.

Looking at the cardiogram, the doctor will evaluate:

Frequency (pulse), rhythm and regularity of heart contractions.
physical condition of the heart.
The presence of violations of electrolyte metabolism (potassium, calcium, magnesium and others).
The conduction system of the heart (various blockades and arrhythmias).
The effectiveness of treatment in acute and chronic diseases.
Localization, size and degree of damage in ischemia and myocardial infarction.
The presence of cardiac complications in diseases of other organs and systems (pulmonary embolism).

Reasons to get tested

A cardiogram is done at the slightest complaint:

for interruptions in the work of the heart;
shortness of breath
heaviness and pain behind the sternum;
weakness, dizziness;
high blood pressure;
pain in the back, chest and neck.

before operations;
at professional examinations;
during pregnancy;
if there is a risk of developing heart disease;
to obtain a medical book when applying for a job.

For a complete diagnosis, one cardiogram is not enough. The doctor will be able to draw conclusions about your health on the basis of a comprehensive examination, taking into account the results of other examinations, tests, your complaints and medical history.

What doctor does?

In the clinic, the referral for cardiography is given by the therapist. And the doctor who deciphers it is called a cardiologist.

You can also make a conclusion:

doctor of functional diagnostics;
emergency doctor;
family doctor;
pediatrician.

The procedure itself is carried out by nurses in a specially equipped room.

After receiving the results of the study, you must make an appointment with the doctor who ordered the ECG in order to receive recommendations or prescriptions for treatment.

Duration of the procedure

How long the study will last depends on the type of ECG.

Preparation for the examination

Rules for preparing for an ECG:

On the day of the procedure, you should refrain from drinking coffee, tea and energy drinks.
Do not eat heavy meals 2 hours before the test.
Do not take sedative medications. If you regularly drink cardiological drugs (antiarrhythmic, beta-blockers, cardiac glycosides), be sure to tell your doctor about it.
Smokers an hour before the ECG to give up cigarettes.
Do not subject yourself to physical stress. It is advisable to come 10-15 minutes before the examination and relax on the couch.
Do not use greasy cream and lotion on the chest area.
Clothing should be comfortable so that you can quickly expose your wrists, shins and chest. You will also have to remove all metal jewelry and watches.
Be sure to bring your previous cardiograms and test results with you.

General algorithm of actions when taking an ECG

How an EKG is done:

The health worker records all patient data in a log.
The wrists, shins and chest are exposed.
Electrodes are attached in the supine position. Before that, the skin is degreased with alcohol, and for better contact with the sensors, a special gel is applied, or wet gauze wipes are used.
The indicators are recorded on paper, after which the terminals are removed, the skin is wiped dry.

During the passage of the ECG, you do not need to be nervous and talk. The recording technology is absolutely safe and painless. The duration of the examination is 10–15 minutes.

Breathing should be even and calm. Inspiratory recording may be required. In this case, the nurse will give the command to take a deep breath and hold your breath.

ECG manipulation is carried out in the functional diagnostics room. The room must be warm and isolated from possible sources of electrical interference. It is also recommended to turn off your mobile phone.

How to take an ECG

The electrocardiography technique has a simple procedure and is carried out in stages:

patient preparation;
application of electrodes;
recording bioelectrical activity on paper;
interpretation of the results.

It is important not to confuse the electrodes, but before work, check the device for serviceability.

A video about the ECG recording technique was filmed by the channel - OFFICIAL TNU.

Application of electrodes

To record standard and enhanced leads, three electrodes (red, yellow and green) are used, which are superimposed on the arms and left leg and form the Einthoven triangle. With a black electrode, which is applied to the right leg, the system is grounded.

You need to set them like this:

red - right hand;
yellow - left hand;
green - left leg;
black - right leg.

To register chest leads, one or six pear-shaped electrodes are used (depending on the type of cardiograph).

How to place chest electrodes:

lead V1 - in the IV intercostal space along the right edge of the sternum;
lead V2 - in the IV intercostal space along the left edge of the sternum;
lead V3 - between the second and fourth positions;
lead V4 - in the V intercostal space along the left mid-clavicular line;
lead V5 - at the same horizontal level as V4, along the left anterior axillary line;
lead V6 - on the left midaxillary line at the level of V4.5.

Scheme of applying chest electrodes

Tip and electrode marking

For convenience, all electrodes have their own color.

The location of the four main ones is easy to remember by a traffic light or by a funny reminder "Every Woman is Worse than the Devil."

In a single-channel cardiograph, one white pear is used to remove chest leads on an ECG.

In six channel:

V1 - red;
V2 - yellow;
V3 - green;
V4 - brown;
V5 - black;
V6 - blue.

Lead Diagram

When registering an ECG, 12 standard leads are currently used: 6 from the limbs and 6 from the chest.

Each of the 6 leads shows one or another part of the heart.

On standard leads:

I - anterior heart wall;
II - posterior heart wall;
III - their totality.

Scheme of standard limb leads

On reinforced leads:

aVR - lateral cardiac wall on the right;
aVL - lateral cardiac wall in front on the left;
aVF - the lower wall of the heart from behind.

Scheme of enhanced limb abductions

On chest leads:

V1 and V2 - right ventricle;
VZ - septum between the two ventricles;
V4 - upper cardiac section;
V5 - lateral wall of the left ventricle in front;
V6 - left ventricle.

Scheme of chest leads

Thus, the task of diagnosing diseases is simplified. Changes in each lead characterize the pathology in a certain area of the myocardium.

ECG recording

On different cardiographs, the procedure may differ. Consider the ECG recording algorithm using the EK1T-03M2 apparatus as an example.

Photo of electrocardiograph EK1T-03M2

If the device is powered by a 220V network, it must be grounded. To do this, one end of the ground wire is connected to the ground socket, and the other is connected to a water tap or an unpainted section of the central heating battery. Devices with a battery do not require grounding.

After applying the electrodes and turning on the device, the control millivolt is recorded. This is the recording scale, it is important for further measurements and for comparing electrocardiograms recorded on different devices with each other.

On the example of the EK1T-03M2 apparatus, this is done as follows:

The switch should set the mV height to 10 mm, check that the lead switch is set to the 1 mV position.
Enable tape movement at a speed of 50 mm/sec. And immediately 3-4 times quickly press the millivolt record button, after which the tape movement is stopped.
Several rectangular teeth 10 mm high will be recorded on the tape; when decoding the ECG, they are called millivolts.

To do this, switch the device to the I lead recording mode.
Then turn on the movement of the tape, record 4-5 complexes and stop the tape.
Switch the device to recording mode II lead and repeat the whole procedure.
After recording the III lead, you should ask the patient to take a deep breath, hold his breath, and in this position, record the III lead again.
Then record enhanced leads aVR, aVL and aVF.

Recording chest leads:

To do this, set the lead switch to position V.
The chest electrode is placed on the patient's chest at the V1 lead recording point and the pen dampener is turned on.
Turn off the sedative. Recorded at a speed of 50 mm/sec. 4-5 complexes.
The damper is turned on and the electrode is moved to point V2.
The entire procedure is repeated until lead V6 is recorded.

The control millivolt is again recorded, the tape is passed forward and torn off. The device is turned off.

The cardiogram shows:

Full name of the patient;
age;
date and time of recording.

Features of the ECG according to Slopak

In medicine, there is another way to conduct electrocardiography - ECG according to Slopak. It differs from the standard procedure. It is used to diagnose posterior-basal myocardial infarctions.

Method description:

Green - left leg.
Black is the right leg.
The yellow electrode is placed on the fifth intercostal space on the left in the posterior axillary line (at the level of the thoracic V6).
Red is sequentially moved and used to capture the chest leads.

The marking looks like this:

S1 - at the left edge of the sternum;
S2 - midway between leads S1 and S3;
S3 - second intercostal space on the left in the midclavicular line;
S4 - second intercostal space on the left in the anterior axillary line.

In this case, the contact switch must remain in position I.

ECG removal for children

You can record an ECG not only for adults, but also for children of any age, using electrodes of the appropriate size.

Parents should reassure the child, during the manipulation he should be calm and motionless. Older children can be explained how the procedure will take place and what is required of them.

Children who have heart and vascular diseases or are at risk of their occurrence should take an ECG at least once a year.

How is an EKG done for women?

An ECG for women is done in exactly the same way as for men. The only peculiarity is that the girls take off the bra, as the impulse does not pass through the fabric of the bra. For the same reason, it is not advisable to wear tights or stockings.

Are there any peculiarities during pregnancy?

There are no contraindications for ECG during pregnancy. This is the same stage of monitoring the health of the expectant mother, like ultrasound. That is why women should not refuse to perform such a study.

During the gestation of the fetus, the heart experiences an increased load. During pregnancy, an ECG is prescribed 2 times. In addition, an electrocardiogram is performed not only for a woman, but also for a fetus - such a study is called CTG (cardiotocography).

During pregnancy, the following changes appear on the cardiogram:

displacement of the electrical axis of the heart to the left;
increased heart rate, single extrasystoles;
negative T wave in the third and fourth leads;
shortened PR interval;
pathological Q wave in the third lead and aVF (lead from the right hand).

Can an EKG be done at home?

The advantage of modern cardiographs is their compactness and mobility. Portable devices are as accurate as stationary ones. Some are equipped with a data transmission system, with its help the doctor can receive information about the work of the heart at a distance in real time. This feature is widely used by ambulance crews.

When you call a doctor at home, you can not only make a cardiogram, but also immediately receive its transcript and recommendations.

Deciphering indicators

An ECG is evaluated on several grounds:

The rhythm is correct and regular. Without extraordinary contractions (extrasystoles).
Heart rate. Normal - 60–80 beats / min.
Electrical axis - normally R exceeds S in all leads except aVR, V1 - V2, sometimes V3.
The width of the ventricular QRS complex. Normally no more than 120 ms.
QRST - complex.

QRST - complex is normal

Brief designation of the main elements of the film:

P wave - shows atrial contraction;
interval PQ - time to reach the pulse of the atrioventricular node;
QRS complex - shows excitation of the ventricles;
T wave - indicates depolarization (restoration of electrical potential).

Video about ECG norms from the Mass Medika channel.

Common mistakes when recording an ECG

The most common errors during an ECG procedure are:

improper placement of electrodes;
poor contact with the skin;
neglect by the patient of the rules of preparation;
uncomfortable position of the patient, trembling in the body.

Video

A short video from the Neurosoft Russia channel tells how to properly apply electrodes.

During electrocardiography, electrical impulses that occur in the heart are recorded. This information is recorded on special paper in the form of a special jagged graph. Looking at it, the cardiologist can understand:

whether the heart rate and rhythm are normal;
are there any changes indicating that the heart is experiencing oxygen starvation, that is, its blood supply is insufficient;
whether there is hypertrophy (thickening) of certain parts of the heart.

When to do it

An ECG is needed in many situations.

1. If you suspect arrhythmia, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and other heart diseases. And also to monitor the condition, if these diseases have already been diagnosed and treated.

2. With a high risk of developing heart disease - against the background of hypertension, with elevated cholesterol levels, smoking, after infections, in men over 40 years old and in women over 50 years old.

The first device for conducting an ECG was created in 1906 by a physiologist from the Netherlands, Willem Einthoven. In 1924 he received the Nobel Prize for this.

3. If a person suffering from one or another heart disease worsens, pains appear in the region of the heart, shortness of breath appears or increases, arrhythmia occurs.

4. Before operations.

5. In diseases of the internal organs, endocrine glands, nervous system, ear, throat, nose, if there is a suspicion of heart complications.

6. During medical examinations of representatives of certain professions, for example, train drivers, pilots, athletes.

How is the research going?

Special preparation for the ECG is not required. Nevertheless, it is better to arrive a little earlier to catch your breath and calm down. The doctor will ask you to undress and lie down on the couch. Electrodes are placed on the arms, legs and chest, which are connected to an electrocardiograph device. During the procedure, you need to lie still, try to relax completely. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds, after which you can breathe normally. There should be no discomfort during the procedure.

The study takes from three to ten minutes, the results are usually ready within a day.

What can't be seen?

Although the ECG is the most prescribed examination in cardiology, in some cases it is not informative. So, according to a standard electrocardiogram, it is impossible to judge:

how often heart rhythm disturbances occur, under what conditions they appear;
in what places the arteries supplying the heart are narrowed;
what is the volume of the cavities of the heart, are there blood clots in them;
with what force the heart ejects blood into the vessels.

For all these purposes, other diagnostic methods are used, although, before giving a referral to them, the doctor may ask for an ECG.

Few people thought that preparation for an ECG exists at all. This is not strange, because few doctors reported the necessary preliminary procedures. Usually the patient comes, lies down on the couch, the device is connected to him and diagnostics are carried out. And often the results of such a cardiogram are unpredictable. An ECG is needed to get information about the work of the heart. For a long time, doctors have been preventing possible complications in the functioning of this organ by this method of research. Carrying out electrocardiography is quite simple, but compliance with elementary rules contributes to the accurate outcome of the examination.

Preparatory stages

The attending physician should describe in detail to the patient all the necessary actions before taking an ECG. For men with abundant hair on the body, it is better to shave it - this will allow you to establish closer contact between the electrodes and the body. On the day before the scheduled procedure, you need to take a warm shower. The same must be done the morning before. Clean skin is better suited for attaching electrodes. If the contact is close enough, the likelihood of interference will decrease dramatically. Be sure to carry out a water procedure after the session. This is due to the application of a special gel to the attachment points for better current conductivity. For people who are sensitive about cleanliness, it is better to bring a towel and linen with you. It's just worth remembering how many patients are on the couch per day.

The main requirement for the human condition is calmness. If a person was subjected to increased physical activity, excitement or stress before a cardiac examination, it is necessary to come to a state of rest. It is better to relax while sitting in a comfortable position. This is useful for breathing exercises. You can allocate time for this while waiting in line.

It is advisable to choose loose, easily removable clothes for visiting a cardiologist. This will speed up the event process.

When the examination period falls on cold weather, the ECG room should be warm and comfortable. If a person freezes, this can adversely affect the electrocardiogram.

Women should not use the cream, so as not to leave a greasy mark on the skin. This prevents the device from being tightly attached to the body.

What should not be taken before the study?

A person should give up all tonic drinks. The list includes tea, coffee, energy cocktails, and especially those containing alcohol. This should be done no later than 4-6 hours before the start of the procedure. This does not apply to alcohol. You can not drink it for at least a few days before the procedure. Energy drinks, which contain a considerable dose of caffeine, not only distort the readings of cardiography, but also adversely affect the functioning of many organs.

For an hour before the procedure, it is not recommended to eat heavy and fatty foods. Spicy and salty foods are also not desirable. Large meals can cause shortness of breath and distort monitoring results. If for some reason it is not recommended to refuse breakfast, or you just don’t feel like it, you can have a light meal in a small amount.

Vasoconstrictor drugs are also contraindicated before the start of the session. Eye drops and nasal sprays are not used before the cardiogram procedure.

As well as stimulants, strong sedatives are also contraindicated. If the patient takes these drugs, the doctor may misdiagnose bradycardia (or tachycardia in the case of stimulants).

Holter monitoring

Holter monitoring is a modern electrocardiogram method that allows it to be carried out for 24 hours a day. The method is more effective than a one-time short-term procedure, the result of which can be influenced by many factors. Preparing a patient for a Holter ECG involves a number of simple steps. A person must understand that the study involves the observation of the work of the heart in a normal way of life. You need to conduct daily business, go to work and not try to influence monitoring.

The holter device is a small unit with electrodes that are attached to the chest.

Clothing should not have metal parts. Metal jewelry will also have to be removed. Before using the device, it is necessary to carry out water procedures, since this cannot be done during the study.

During monitoring, avoid:

caffeine (coffee, strong tea, energy drinks);
alcohol;
excessive physical activity;
swimming and bathing;
taking drugs that affect the heart.

The application of ointments, creams and various cosmetics is undesirable. As with a conventional ECG, precautions must be taken. These include taking cardiostimulating drugs, stimulants of the nervous system, vasoconstrictors.