cardiogram

A cardiogram, also known as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to detect and monitor various cardiac conditions, including arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other heart diseases.

The procedure involves placing electrodes on specific points on the patient's chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect electrical signals generated by the heart's conduction system. The signals are transmitted to a machine that amplifies and records them as waveforms on paper or a digital display. The resulting tracings represent the electrical impulses as they travel through different parts of the heart.

A standard electrocardiogram provides information about the heart's rate, rhythm, and electrical conduction pathways. Key components of the ECG waveform include the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave, which correspond to different phases of the cardiac cycle. Analysis of these components can reveal abnormal heart rhythms, hypertrophy, ischemia, and other cardiac abnormalities.

Cardiograms are commonly used in clinical settings for routine checkups, emergency assessments, and ongoing monitoring of patients with known heart conditions. They are quick, painless, and safe procedures that provide valuable insights into heart health.

Advances in technology have led to portable and ambulatory ECG devices, allowing for continuous monitoring outside clinical environments. Overall, the cardiogram remains an essential tool in modern cardiology for diagnosing and managing heart-related health issues.