The operation flow of ECG machine?

The electrocardiograph is used to perform one of the most common heart tests in modern medicine, the electrocardiogram. Due to the English spelling of the test, many doctors and health professionals refer to the test as an ECG and the machine as an ECG machine. The term electrocardiogram comes from the German electrocardiogram. Both English and German are derived from three Greek roots, meaning electronic heart diagrams. What’s the working flow of it? This article will tell us.

The following knowledge points are listed below:

• Before the ECG test

• During the ECG test

• The result interpreting

1.  Before the ECG test

If your doctor requires an electrocardiogram, you generally do not need to do any special tests or procedures to prepare. In fact, if you have time, space, and equipment, you can get it in the doctor's office. Sometimes, depending on the cause of the ECG, the doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications one or two days before the test.

l opportunity

If you have an electrocardiogram when you see a doctor, you will need an extra 10 to 15 minutes for the test. If you need to check the ECG in particular, you need to take longer.

l position

Usually, the ECG is done in the doctor's office, sometimes in the same examination room where you see the doctor. Your doctor's office may have a separate space, and you may need to go there for an examination.

l what to wear

You need to change into a hospital gown so that the electrodes can be placed on your chest. You may be asked to remove large necklaces or chains if they hang or get in the way, but you don't have to worry about electrical interference from metal jewelry.

l Food and drink

You can eat and drink whatever you like before the exam. If your doctor is concerned that your heart rate is particularly fast, you may be asked to quit caffeine within 6 to 10 hours before the test.

l Expenses and health insurance

Generally speaking, ECG is included in most health insurance plans, but there are always exceptions. If you are insured and worry that your plan may not include testing, or if you have a plan with the smallest insurance coverage, you may need to check your insurance premiums in advance. As with many programs, your plan may require you to pay out-of-pocket expenses, and you should be able to check the situation by dialing the number on the insurance card.

If you pay for this test out of pocket, you can expect it to cost about $50.

l What to bring

When you go for an electrocardiogram, you should bring your checklist (if applicable), your health insurance card, identification form and payment method.

2. During the ECG test

Your test will be performed by a doctor, nurse or technician.

l Pre-test

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and lie on the examination table.

Once in place, a total of ten electrodes are glued with a sticky but easily removable adhesive. One electrode is placed on each arm and leg, and six electrodes are placed on the chest.

l Throughout the test

Each electrode is a flat coin-shaped metal plate with wires connected to the electrocardiograph, which looks like a computer. Electrodes detect the electrical activity produced by the heart and transmit this information to the machine, where it is processed, and stored electronically or printed out as an electrocardiogram.

The reading time is about 5 minutes. During this time, you will be asked to remain still, because movement will disrupt the pattern. There is no pain or discomfort associated with this test.

l After the test

After the test, remove the electrode. If any sticky material remains, it can be easily wiped off with an alcohol pad. You may experience some hair pulling under the nodes, but in general, technicians will be very careful when removing them.

You should not expect any side effects after the ECG, and there are no restrictions on your activities.

Rarely, the adhesive can cause an allergic reaction or rash, which may not be obvious until 24 hours after the test. If you develop a rash on the electrode area, call your doctor.

3. The result interpreting

The electrical signals generated by the electrodes are processed to obtain the electrical activity of the heart from 12 different angles, each of which displays a separate track. By checking for any abnormalities on the ECG and their source, your doctor can get important clues about the condition of the heart.

That’s all about the ECG machines operation flow.