Definición e Importancia del ECG / EKG

Study Notes

ECG / EKG Definition and Importance

An Electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as an Electrocardiograph (EKG), is a noninvasive diagnostic tool used to record the electrical activity of your heart over time. It measures voltage changes on the surface of the body caused by the movement of electrically charged atoms in your heart cells. These measurements are recorded as waveforms which help doctors understand how well your heart is functioning.

The importance of an ECG cannot be overstated, especially in diagnosing various types of cardiac arrhythmias, which involve irregularities in the rhythm and rate of heartbeats. An ECG may reveal whether you have some form of abnormal heart rhythm such as bradyarrhythmia (slow heart rate) or tachyarrhythmia (fast heart rate). ECGs can also detect problems with the valves inside your heart, assess the effectiveness of medications prescribed for treating heart conditions, determine if the patient has suffered from a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack), and show signs of heart failure or hypertension.

In summary, an ECG plays a crucial role in identifying and managing various heart conditions due to its ability to measure the electrical signals generated during each heartbeat. It provides valuable information for healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment planning, and risk assessment for patients with suspected or established heart diseases.

Description

El Electrocardiograma (ECG), también conocido como Electrocardiografía (EKG), es una herramienta diagnóstica no invasiva utilizada para registrar la actividad eléctrica de tu corazón a lo largo del tiempo. Su importancia radica en su papel crucial para identificar y manejar diversas afecciones cardíacas, permitiendo a los proveedores de atención médica tomar decisiones informadas sobre diagnósticos, planificación de tratamientos y evaluación de riesgos para pacientes con enfermedades cardíacas.