Essay On Electrocardiography

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Electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to identify any irregular heart rhythms. It does this by detecting the electrical activity of the heart as line tracings on paper, for easier analysis (Price, 2012). As Stanfield (2014) reports the cardiac muscle contracts in response to electrical depolarisation of the muscle cells. This electrical activity, when amplified and recorded, is known as an ECG. According to Maron et al, (2014) an ECG test can help detect the cause of symptoms such as chest pains or heart palpitations. The test is also conducted if a patient has had any problems with the heart in the past, or has a family history of heart disease. According to Maron et al, (2014) the fundamental principle of ECG recording is when the wave of depolarisation travels toward a recording lead this results in a positive (upward) deflection. When it travels away from a recording lead this results in a negative (downward) deflection.
Stanfield, (2014) claims the ECG is measured by placing a series of electrodes on the patient’s skin. The patient is asked to lay down and several areas on arms, legs and chest will be cleaned and the electrodes will be attached (number of electrodes/patches may vary). The electrodes are connected by wires to a machine and …show more content…
It is done by a cuff placed around arm and pumped to restrict the blood flow. According to Stansfield, (2014) the pressure is gently released as the pulse is checked. The pulse beat after cuff released allows measurement to be taken, giving a blood pressure reading. The reading is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is written as two numbers. The systolic pressure is recorded as the top number and diastolic bottom. For example if the reading is 120 when muscle contracts (systolic pressure) and 80 when muscle relaxes (diastolic pressure), the reading is 120/80mmHg (120 over

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