Südameelektrokardiogramm

Südameelektrokardiogramm, commonly abbreviated as EKG or ECG, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to record the electrical activity of the heart. This activity is generated by the depolarization and repolarization of the heart muscle cells. The EKG machine translates these electrical impulses into a visual tracing that can be analyzed by a healthcare professional.

The procedure involves attaching electrodes to the skin of the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the tiny electrical changes that occur as the heart muscle contracts and relaxes. The signals are then amplified and displayed on a monitor or printed on paper, showing a series of waves and complexes. These components represent different phases of the cardiac cycle, such as the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave.

An EKG is a crucial diagnostic instrument for identifying a wide range of cardiac conditions. It can detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate). It is also used to diagnose heart attacks (myocardial infarction) by identifying areas of the heart muscle that are not receiving sufficient blood flow. Furthermore, EKGs can reveal evidence of thickened heart muscle (hypertrophy), electrolyte imbalances, and the effects of certain medications on the heart. The interpretation of an EKG requires specialized knowledge and is an integral part of a comprehensive cardiac assessment.