Why is ECG monitoring important & can it detect heart disease?

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ABOUT DOCTOR
Interventional Cardiologist Apollo Hospitals,
Indore
Dr. Sarita Rao is a Sr. Interventional
Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, Indore. She is
the first female Interventional Cardiologist in
Central India. She is Fellow of American College
of Cardiology(FACC) and Fellow of European
Society of Cardiology(FESC)
For OPD Appointments Contact 91
9893925000 OPD Timing at Apollo Hospitals,
Indore 1100 AM to 400 PM Location Apollo
Hospitals, Indore Sector D Rd, Scheme No 74C,
Vijay Nagar, Indore. OPD Timing at Clinic 630
PM to 800 PM Location 303, Third Floor, Vishal
Astra, Opp. Satya Sai School, A.B Road, Indore,
MP.
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Why is ECG monitoring important can it detect
heart disease?
In conjunction with other diagnostic procedures,
an electrocardiogram (ECG) can help determine the
presence and severity of heart problems.
Test subjects who have chest pain, palpitations
(rapid, irregular heartbeats), dizziness, or
shortness of breath may benefit from this.
A person's risk for these conditions can be
reduced with the aid of an electrocardiogram.

• Heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) include
  slow, rapid, and irregular heartbeats.
• CHD (coronary heart disease) - Where there is an
  obstruction of the heart's blood supply due to a
  build-up of fatty substances.
• Arrests of the heart Where there is an
  unexpected reduction in blood flow to the heart
• Cardiac myopathy - Areas of the heart where the
  walls have thickened or expanded 

An individual with known heart disease or taking
medications that may affect the heart can be
monitored using a series of ECGs performed at
regular intervals.
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Why is an ECG so helpful, exactly?
An electrocardiogram can detect and diagnose many
different heart conditions. It's the gold
standard for diagnosing and keeping tabs on
cardiac disease. An ECG scan or long-term
monitoring could be helpful if you have
heart-related symptoms, a family history of heart
disease, or a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.

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Can an ECG detect a stroke?
Yes. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can reveal an
existing heart condition, such as a previous
heart attack or one that may develop into a
stroke. Such an electrocardiogram would be
considered abnormal. For example, ECG is widely
used to confirm and monitor atrial fibrillation
(AFib), a condition that leads to blood clots
that can result in stroke.
Method of ECG

• Before getting an ECG, there is no need to fast
  or limit fluid intake. Before getting an
  electrocardiogram (ECG), you should always tell
  your doctor about any drugs you're taking and any
  allergies to the adhesive tapes that may be used
  to attach the electrodes.

• You'll need to undress completely to attach
  electrodes to your chest and arms during an ECG
  exam. Access to the chest may be improved by
  wearing a shirt with pants or a skirt. 

• An ECG should be performed on dry, oil-free skin
  for optimal results. Hair is removed from the
  chosen areas, if necessary, as this hinders the
  electrodes from making good contact with the
  skin.

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To collect data, electrodes (sensors) are stuck
to the chest, arms, and legs using adhesive gel.
With the help of these electrodes, the
electrocardiograph can measure and record the
heart's electrical activity.
There are three main categories of
electrocardiograms
An electrocardiogram is taken while the patient
is at rest -
This kind of ECG is performed while the patient
is lying flat. The test requires complete
immobility because even the slightest movement
could disrupt the heart's electrical impulses.
The standard processing time for this kind of
electrocardiogram is 5-10 minutes.
24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) -
An ambulatory or Holter electrocardiogram
requires the patient to carry around a portable
recording device for the duration of the test,
often 24 hours. It won't restrict your mobility
at all to have a monitor attached to you while
you go about your day. Intermittent symptoms that
do not appear on a resting electrocardiogram and
patients recuperating from a heart attack may
benefit from this type of ECG. To match your own
experience with the ECG's findings, you keep a
journal of your symptoms and the times at which
they occur.
EST, or exercise stress test -
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For this evaluation, exercise equipment, such as
a stationary bike or treadmill, is used with an
electrocardiogram (ECG) recording device.
Typically, this kind of electrocardiogram takes
between 15 and 30 minutes to do.
Is there a possibility of adverse effects?
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple,
non-invasive diagnostic tool. When it's being
done, you won't be shocked.
It may hurt a little bit, like when you peel off
a bandage or remove the electrodes from your
skin, and some people develop a slight rash at
the site where they were attached.
An exercise electrocardiogram is carried out in a
clinical setting. If you start to feel unwell or
exhibit any symptoms during the test, the person
administering it will immediately stop it and
seek medical attention for you.
Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional
Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals is one of the Best
Cardiologist in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Book your
appointment with Top Cardiologist in Indore, call
us on 91 9893925000 or visit our website -
https//drsaritaraocardiologist.com/
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