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. …show more content…
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