by: Damian Sofsian

EKGs can assist doctors in diagnosing and determining any current or
past heart abnormalities and are often a regular screening for those
with heart disease. Through electrodes attached at various strategic
body points, the EKG machine records the electrical impulses of the
heart. The results of the impulses are displayed on a computer
monitor and then printed onto graph paper. The attending physician
or EKG technician interprets your heart health by reading the
graphed EKG image.

EKGs are a critical tool for medical professionals to diagnose and
treat heart ailments. The EKG reading of your heart is compared to
the reading of a standard/normal heart in order to get an idea of
your heart function. Abnormalities in the heart rate, heart rhythm
or contractions and relaxations can signal the presence of past
heart attacks, heart disease or coronary artery disease. If any of
these symptoms are present, your doctor will refer you for further
testing.

There are literally dozens of different methods for interpreting
EKGs but most begin with a search for recurring patterns. One of the
first things EKG technicians look for is heart rate. Electrodes are
used to stimulate the heart into contracting and then relaxing. The
first spike in the reading (the “P” spike) represents the impulses
from the upper chamber of the heart. A flatter line called the “PR”
interval represents a bridge between the contracting and relaxing of
the atria. Each EKG has various other spikes and dips representing
heart electrical waves; each spike or dip is referred to by an
alphabetic letter.

Most normal hearts have a pattern with a slightly varying rhythm.
This is called sinus arrhythmia and is considered normal and
healthy. The absence of sinus arrhythmia may indicate other problems
with the heart. In EKG interpretation, the lack of sinus arrhythmia
has been seen to predict the occurrence of sudden death from heart
attack or heart failure. The results of an EKG may become the basis
for additional treatment. Your doctor will decide if further
evaluation is needed. EKG technicians are highly trained and skilled
medical professionals; many physicians consider these technicians to
be the first authority in interpreting the EKG results.

Please Note: Professional EKG readings require a great amount of
training and education. Since many methods exist to interpret these
readings, it is often difficult for non-medical people to understand
the terminology. If you are having an EKG performed, your technician
will be glad to answer any questions regarding the EKG reading. If
you notice something that seems abnormal to you, the technician may
be able to calm your fears and by explaining the results in layman's
terms.

About the author:
EKG Info provides comprehensive information on EKG readings,
interpretation, m machines, technicians, abnormal EKGs and more. EKG
Info is the sister site of Stethoscopes Web.