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The Role of Rhythm Strips for Interpreting EKGs
By Damian Sofsian
Each time the heart beats it emits electrical currents. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a method in which electrodes are attached at various points on the body. These electrodes are attached to wires that are attached to the EKG machine. The electrodes send waves and impulses to the machine that amplifies the results on a monitor and prints them onto graph paper. Heart rates and palpitations are commonly diagnosed from the EKG results.
Heart rhythm can help to detect medical problems. Arrhythmia, heart valve disease, coronary artery disease and impending heart attacks can be determined by interpreting EKG rhythms. If an abnormality is detected, the technician or physician may request a follow-up EKG or other additional testing. Since some abnormalities may be caused by external or non-problematic internal factors, the EKG rhythm is not always the end-all to cardiovascular testing.
The technician will begin the EKG by placing 10 to 12 electrodes at various points on your body. The electrodes are placed from your lower breastbone to areas near the armpits. Other pads will be placed on each of your arms and legs. The electrodes are attached to wires, called leads, which are attached to the EKG machine.
The use of EKG rhythm strips is an additional way for interpreting results. Although the rhythm strip is only one point-of-view, it is often a more precise way to detect problems. Rhythm strips are particularly useful in patients who have reported very slow or very rapid heartbeats. Most EKGs take only 10 minutes or so to complete, however, when an EKG rhythm strip is used, the visit may be prolonged. EKG rhythm strips are generally used when the normal EKG does not produce desired results. The EKG strip can be used to measure your heart's patterns for a full minute or even longer.
For new students learning about the EKG process and EKG rhythms, the information can be overwhelming. Most schools do not spend an enormous amount of time covering the topics of rhythms but hospitals do require specialized classes in this area. An EKG technician will begin by understanding some basic rhythms and what is considered normal. As he or she gains experience and takes specialized courses, he or she will gain expertise in interpreting EKG rhythms and reading rhythm strips. An inexperienced technician will be unlikely to disclose the results of your EKG. Your cardiovascular specialist will look at and interpret your results and inform you as to whether or not your condition needs further evaluation. About the Author 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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Some other articles by Damian Sofsian | The Meaning of Abnormal EKG Results Many physicians recommend EKGs as a preventative-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 ...
Becoming an EKG Technician EKG technicians assist physicians in diagnosing and treating heart disease, coronary artery disease and a multitude of other heart ailments. These technicians generally specialize in one of three cardiovascular fields: invasive cardiology, echocardiography, and vascular ...
The Modern EKG Machine Perhaps one of the most useful 20th century technologies for the diagnosis of heart disease is the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. ...
Interpreting an EKG EKGs can assist doctors in diagnosing and determining any current or past heart abnormalities and are often a regular screening for those with heart disease. ...
Picture Your Heart's Health With EKGs Each time your heart beats, the contractions and relaxations of the heart muscle emit electrical current. An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a medical recording of the electric impulses from the heart. Electrodes that send impulses ...
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