16 femaleSo firstly this is how I came across it in the first place: My heart rate is quite fast, it usually rests at 90bpm and a lot of the time I can feel it beating when i'm lying down or making a sudden movement. I'm always tired because I can never sleep properly, which makes me also get a lot of headaches and makes me forgetful to the point that it irritates people and they don't take me seriously. I get worried a lot of the time and my mind has racing thoughts. People find it difficult to understand me when I make a point across. And also, I get out of breath easily (i'm not over weight, i don't smoke and i don't have asthma) I had this since school when I did an 1 hour of walking in the day which shouldn't make me out of shape) I am a lil underweight if that helps?
I would like to know more about the ECG test is so I know what to expect.
And lastly, is it worth me taking it at all? (not expecting anything life threatening though, and soz for huge rant I really wanted this off my mind)
Cameron Citro - You will lie on a bed or table. Areas on your arms, legs, and chest where small metal discs (electrodes) will be placed are cleaned and may be shaved to provide a clean, smooth surface to attach the electrode discs. A special EKG paste or small pads soaked in alcohol may be placed between the electrodes and your skin to improve conduction of the electrical impulses, but in many cases disposable electrodes are used that do not require paste or alcohol.
ReplyDeleteSeveral electrodes are attached to the skin camera on each arm and leg and on your chest. These are hooked to a machine that traces your heart activity onto a paper. If an older machine is used, the electrodes may be moved at different times during the test to measure your heart's electrical activity from different locations on your chest. After the procedure, the electrode paste is wiped off.
You will be asked to lie very still and breathe normally during the test. Sometimes you may be asked to hold your breath. You should not talk during the test.
e-man - I agree with cameron regarding the ECG setup.
ReplyDeleteAs to whether you feel it is worth the examination...
Looking at your symptoms: Easy fatiguability, dyspnea, palpitations, I would say that the ECG is a good screening tool. It is non-invasive, easy to do, and relatively cheap. The ECG, in the right hands, could pick up a lot of heart conditions.
On a side note, the symptoms you've described could also all be stress related, so don't worry too much before you have anything definitive.
jimmymae2000 - The whole thing takes 5 to 10 minutes. They hook-up some wires on your body. The nurse runs a chart recorder of your heart's electrical functions, for 20 seconds. Then she shows the results to the doctor, who says everything looks good. and that's all there is to that. However if everything doesn't look good then the doctor will order some additional tests, ultra sound and blood work.
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