elektrokardiogrammaa

Elektrokardiogrammaa, commonly known as an 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 stimulate the heart to contract and pump blood. The ECG machine detects these electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin, typically on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes capture the subtle electrical changes as they spread through the heart.

The recording produced by an ECG is a graphical representation of the heart's electrical signals over time. This tracing, called an electrocardiogram, displays various waves and intervals, each corresponding to specific events in the cardiac cycle. For instance, the P wave represents atrial depolarization, the QRS complex signifies ventricular depolarization, and the T wave indicates ventricular repolarization. The timing and shape of these components provide crucial information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and the integrity of its electrical conduction system.

Physicians use ECGs to diagnose a wide range of cardiac conditions. These include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), myocardial infarction (heart attack), ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle), hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart chambers), and electrolyte imbalances. It is a fundamental diagnostic tool in cardiology, often performed during routine check-ups, before surgery, or when a patient presents with symptoms suggestive of heart disease, such as chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. The procedure is quick, painless, and readily available in most healthcare settings.