Interpreting EKG Results

Electrocardiogram (EKG) tests help doctors identify and diagnose any present or past heart abnormalities. EKGs are often a part of regular doctor visits for those with a history of heart disease. EKG machines record the heart's electrical impulses via electrodes attached to strategic points on the patient's body. The results are displayed on a computer monitor and then printed out. Physicians or EKG technicians can then determine the patient's heart health by interpreting the printed results.

To get a gage on the patient's heart functions, physicians compare the EKG reading of the patient's heart to the reading of a normal heart. Differences in heart rate, rhythm or contractions between the two readings can indicate possible or past heart attacks, heart diseases or coronary artery diseases. If it is determined that these symptoms exist, further testing is conducted.

There are a wide variety of ways to interpret an EKG result, but most are based on identifying recurring patterns. Heart rate is the first thing EKG technicians look at when reading a set of results. The electrodes cause spikes in the graph reading by stimulating the heart into contracting and relaxing. The first spike (called the "P" spike) indicates the impulses of the heart's upper chamber. A more horizontal line called the "PR" interval indicates the bridge between the contraction and relaxation of the atria. Each EKG has a series of these spikes and dips representing the heart's impulses, with each kind of spike represented by a different letter.

Interpreting EKG Results

A normal heart will have a spike pattern called sinus arrhythmia, which varies slightly form heart to heart. If a patient's EKG readings do not display sinus arrhythmia, it may be a sign of heart problems. Lack of sinus arrhythmia might indicate the future occurrence of sudden heart attacks or heart failure. In such cases, patients are usually recommended for additional treatment. It is up to the patient's physician to decide what kind of attention and what kind is needed. Often enough though, it is the highly-trained EKG technicians whose word has most weight in making a final decision concerning an EKG reading.

Professional EKG reading demands a considerable amount of education, training, and hands-on experience. Because there are several different methods and a ton of specialized terminology involved, most non-medical-professionals have difficulty understanding how EKGs work and what the results mean. If you're having an EKG performed, your EKG technician should be happy to answer in layman terms any questions you might have concerning your reading.

Interpreting EKG Results
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For more information on EKG and patient monitors from AKW Medical, please visit http://www.akwmedical.com

The Meaning of Abnormal EKG Results

Many physicians recommend EKGs as a preventive-screening tool for those with a family history of heart disease. While a healthy person does not need an EKG as a part of an annual exam, many physicians will recommend an EKG if they have concerns. If a patient complains of chest pain, palpitations or other indicators of heart problems, the physician will likely recommend an immediate EKG test. Depending on the severity of the situation, your doctor may refer you to a local testing center immediately or ask you to schedule the next available appointment.

An abnormal EKG is determined by comparing the results of your EKG graph with a standard or normal heart graph. Spikes and dips within the graph are referred to as P, QR and PR and other similar acronyms. Normal EKG readings show a slight flat-dip in between contractions and relaxations. If these flat-dips are not present, it may be an indication of a more serious problem. Normal EKG readings will have spikes and dips too.

PR

Myocardial defects, heart valve disease, enlargement of the heart, inflammation of the heart, coronary artery disease, and past, pending or impending heart attacks are only a few of the problems that EKG's can help to detect. The conditions in which the EKG is performed can also have an impact on the accuracy of the results. Some heart problems are not present all of the time and therefore may not appear in EKG results. In cases where heart problems are suspected but not detected on the EKG, a Holter monitor may be recommended. This monitor is worn, usually for a period of 24 to 48 hours and serves as a type of mini-EKG test. The patient wears the monitor at home and it continuously records heart activity. Doctors also recommend that the patient be relaxed during the exam because any muscle trembling or contractions can alter the results and produce an inaccurate reading.

The Meaning of Abnormal EKG Results

Many people are surprised to learn that they have had an abnormal EKG reading. What is even more surprising is that when presented with abnormal EKG results, some doctors do not seem concerned. It doe not necessarily mean they are inadequate or uncaring physicians, it is more likely they believe something else has caused the abnormal reading. Most will want to pursue further testing or another EKG. Sometimes an event as simple as low blood sugar can have an altering affect and produce false EKG readings. Other times, abnormal EKGs require further testing to determine what, if any, problems actually exist.

The Meaning of Abnormal EKG Results

EKG Info provides comprehensive information on EKG readings, interpretation, m machines, technicians, abnormal EKGs and more. EKG Info is the sister site of Stethoscopes Web.

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