elektrokardiografiaa

Elektrokardiografiaa is a noninvasive medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over time. By placing electrodes on the skin, it detects the electrical impulses generated during each heartbeat, producing waveforms that reflect atrial and ventricular depolarization and repolarization. The standard resting 12-lead electrocardiogram provides a comprehensive view from multiple angles, while single-lead or ambulatory devices extend monitoring over longer periods.

The test helps assess heart rhythm and rate, conduction abnormalities, and signs of ischemia or injury. It is commonly used to evaluate chest pain, syncope, palpitations, electrolyte disturbances, and the effects of medications. Interpretation is performed by trained clinicians who correlate ECG findings with patient history and other tests.

Procedure and devices vary. A resting ECG requires patient to lie still while electrodes on the limbs and chest record for about 10 seconds. The 12-lead configuration includes limb leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF) and precordial leads V1–V6. Ambulatory monitoring (Holter, event monitors) records activity over 24 hours or longer, useful for intermittent arrhythmias. Exercise ECG stress tests assess cardiac response to increased demand.

Limitations and artifacts may affect interpretation. ECG signals can be distorted by movement, poor electrode contact, skin preparation, or electrical interference. The ECG does not directly measure mechanical function or structural heart disease, and a normal tracing does not exclude pathology. Safety is high; the test is noninvasive and generally well tolerated, with minimal risk of skin irritation from electrodes.