An electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a reading assessing the magnitude and direction of the electrical currents of the heart, measuring the depolarisation and repolarisation of the cardiac muscle cells.
Purpose of an ECG
- Identification of various pathological conditions: Myocardial infarction; Chest pain; Dysrhythmias etc.
- Obtaining a baseline ECG for later comparison i.e. prior to surgery.
- Routine comparison of current electrical activity of the heart after a condition is identified.
(Note: There are 10 leads used in a 12-lead ECG. 10-leads provide 12 views of the heart.)
ECG Step-by-step:
- Confirm patient identity.
- Explain the procedure to the patient.
- Obtain consent from the patient.
- Ensure the environment is at a comfortably warm temperature. This will prevent muscular tension or movements producing artefact on the ECG recording.
- Ensure privacy and dignity through closing the room door or drawing around the curtains.
- The patient should remove jewellery. This can help reduce electrical interference.
- Perform hand hygiene.
- Place the electrodes on the patient.
- Placement of electrodes requires correct anatomical identification.