Elektrocardiogrammen

Elektrocardiogrammen, often abbreviated as ECG or EKG, is a non-invasive medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This activity is generated by the depolarization and repolarization of cardiac muscle cells, which creates electrical currents that can be detected on the surface of the body. Electrodes are placed on the skin, typically on the chest, arms, and legs, to pick up these electrical signals. These signals are then amplified and displayed as a series of waves and lines on a graph or screen, representing the heart's rhythm and strength of electrical impulses.

The primary purpose of an ECG is to assess the heart's electrical function and diagnose a variety of cardiac conditions. It can help identify arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. ECGs are also crucial in diagnosing myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, by detecting characteristic changes in the electrical pattern. Furthermore, the test can reveal evidence of structural abnormalities of the heart, such as chamber enlargement or conduction defects. The information obtained from an ECG is invaluable for physicians in making diagnoses, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and guiding further medical interventions.