What is an EKG trace?
The ECG trace. The ECG machine processes the signals picked up from the skin by electrodes and produces a graphic representation of the electrical activity of the patient’s heart.
What does a normal ECG trace show?
An ECG (electrocardiogram) records the electrical activity of your heart at rest. It provides information about your heart rate and rhythm, and shows if there is enlargement of the heart due to high blood pressure (hypertension) or evidence of a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction).
What are the basic ECG tracing?
The Normal ECG The waves on an ECG include the P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, T wave and U wave. Interval: The time between two specific ECG events. The intervals commonly measured on an ECG include the PR interval, QRS interval (also called QRS duration), QT interval and RR interval.
Can anxiety cause abnormal EKG?
Premature ventricular contractions is one of the manifestations of sympathetic over activity due to anxiety. However, anxiety might induce electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in normal person with normal heart, as in this documented case.
Is there a difference between ECG and EKG?
There is no difference between an ECG and an EKG. Both refer to the same procedure, however one is in English (electrocardiogram – ECG) and the other is based on the German spelling (elektrokardiogramm – EKG).
What do high spikes on an EKG mean?
For example, spikes that are too close together are a sign of a rapid heartbeat or tachycardia. Each heartbeat will be made up of several spikes in activity. The first P wave shows when the atria are contracting. The second and biggest spike, known as the QRS complex, occurs when your ventricles contract.
How do you know if your EKG is abnormal?
Abnormal ECG Symptoms Shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, an abnormally fast heartbeat, sudden weakness, or feeling like you are going to pass out are common signs of problems that would yield an abnormal ECG.
Can EKG detect blockage?
An ECG Can Recognize the Signs of Blocked Arteries. Since the test identifies anomalies of heart rhythm, impaired blood flow to the heart, otherwise known as ischemia, says WebMD, can also be identified.
Can an EKG detect past heart attacks?
An ECG can show evidence of a previous heart attack or one that’s in progress. The patterns on the ECG may indicate which part of your heart has been damaged, as well as the extent of the damage. Inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the heart.
Can high blood pressure cause abnormal EKG?
High blood pressure Other aspects of heart disease may lead to an abnormal EKG. For example, people with high blood pressure are more likely to have an abnormal EKG reading.
Can dehydration cause abnormal EKG?
For example, a person with dehydration may have imbalanced electrolytes that are causing an abnormal EKG. This person may require fluids, electrolyte-containing beverages, or medications to restore electrolytes. Sometimes, a doctor may not recommend any treatments for an abnormal EKG.