Electrocardiograph (ECG)

What is it?

The electrocardiograph is a device that measures many things, including the rhythm and rate of the heartbeat as well as the structure of the heart. It is one of the most informative tests in non-invasive cardiology.

The heart beat is generated by a part of the heart called the pacemaker. The pacemaker determines how fast the heart needs to beat in order for the body to get enough oxygen. The pacemaker then generates a pulse of electricity that travels through the heart in a very specific manner. As it travels, it causes the heart to beat.

Because the heartbeat is generated by electricity, we can detect it using electrodes placed in certain locations on the body. The information is sent back the ECG, where a readout is produced, either on a television monitor, or on a graph.

As well as the heart rate, an experienced cardiologist can determine many different things using the ECG. For example, he can determine whether the heart is larger than normal or is beating irregularly. The ECG is an important component to diagnosing a disease and assessing it's severity.

Procedure

The electrical activity is recorded from the patient's body surface (limbs and chest) by 10 electrodes attached by stickers or suction cups. When the ECG is turned on, each heart beat is represented by a "peak" or a "spike" in the graph.

Important Points:

• Your child may usually eat and take any medicine prior to the procedure.
• The electrodes do not carry electricity. They are only used to detect electricity.
• The procedure will not hurt. The average test lasts 5-10 minutes.
• To get an good "picture" of the heart it is important that your child lie still during the procedure. You might be asked to help calm your child down. In certain cases, your child might be given a mild sedative to help them relax (i.e. Chloral Hydrate).