What is Electrocardiography (ECG)?
The process of printing the electrical activity of the heart on special papers is called electrocardiography (ECG). The electrical activity of the heart is measured by means of small metal discs (electrodes) placed on the skin. The electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs of the patient. The electrodes are connected to the device that converts the electrical activity into the shape on paper. The findings on paper are also evaluated by physicians. Electrocardiography can provide important information about heart enlargement, heart growth, a decrease in the amount of blood going to the heart, new or old heart damage, heart rhythm problems, and various diseases of the heart and the membranes surrounding the heart.

An ECG is usually performed to diagnose a heart attack in patients presenting with chest pain, to detect regular or irregular heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), to record the electrical activity of the heart during an effort test, to evaluate the effectiveness or side effects of various medications that may affect the heart, and the functions of mechanical devices (permanent pacemaker, etc.).

An ECG test is also performed to evaluate patients with complaints of heart disease (chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting) or patients at risk for heart disease (high blood pressure and cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history, or advanced age).

How is the ECG test performed:
The ECG device can be taken anywhere, so it can be done anywhere. There is no need for special preparation of the patient for ECG withdrawal. It is not a painful or uncomfortable procedure for the patient. During the ECG, the patient is lying on his back on the examination table or on the bed. The jewelry on the patient’s neck, arm and wrists should be removed. The patient’s upper lumbar region, hands and ankles should be opened.

If there are socks, they should be removed or stripped so that the wrists are exposed. The electrode discs are placed on the arms, legs and the front of the chest. Special ECG gel or alcohol-Decocted cotton can be applied between the skin and the electrodes to make the recording better. The patient should not move or talk during the shooting. An ECG is usually taken within 5-10 minutes. It is completely painless. Electrodes or conductive gel can give a feeling of coldness when used for the first time. Redness or mild pain may be felt in the places where the electrodes are placed.

Risks: There is no risk with ECG shooting. This test is a completely safe test. The device records the electrical activity of the heart. There is no electrical stimulation from the device to the patient.