Consultant Cardiologist
Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur
An ECG or Electrocardiogram is a non-invasive, painless test used to measure the electrical activity of your heart. By placing small electrodes on the chest, we look at the electrical activity of your heart. From ECG, we can detect hypertension, heart disease, congenital heart defects, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). An ECG is typically quick and easy, taking just about 5-10 minutes to complete. It’s an essential, basic test that provides important insights into your heart health, even if you have no symptoms.
Depending on your symptoms or heart concerns, we may use different types of ECG tests to get a clearer picture of your heart health:
We recommend an ECG if you're experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. It’s also a standard part of checking for heart disease, including:
While an ECG is a fundamental diagnostic tool, it does have limitations. For instance, in cases of heart disease with 70% artery blockage, the ECG may not always reveal the issue, especially if the patient is at rest and blood flow is still normal. The test primarily captures the heart’s activity during a resting state.
If someone comes in with chest pain or history of chest pain, a stress test, also known as a stress ECG, which is often recommended. During a stress ECG, the patient exercises on a treadmill that gradually increases in speed to induce stress on the heart. As the heart rate increases, the heart requires more oxygen to function properly. If there is a 70% blockage in the arteries, the heart may struggle to meet this increased oxygen demand, leading to changes in the ECG.
These changes during the stress ECG can help identify areas of blockage; however, the accuracy of a stress test is approximately 80%. To obtain a more precise diagnosis, additional diagnostic tools such as CT scans, MRI scans, or coronary angiograms may be necessary. If the stress ECG shows signs of cardiac muscle enlargement or thickening, further tests are required to validate these findings and ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The most important thing to know is that ECG and Echocardiograms (ECHO) are essential diagnostic tools for assessing heart health. An ECG is a quick, simple test that helps detect heart issues like palpitations, chest pain, and irregular heart rhythms. If you experience any of these symptoms, or even as part of a routine check-up, it’s recommended to get an ECG.
While an ECG provides valuable insights, it’s like looking at your heart through a frosted window. For a clearer and more detailed view, an Echocardiogram is highly recommended. The ECHO provides a more in-depth look at the heart’s structure and function, allowing for the detection of conditions like valvular heart disease and heart failure. Combining both tests offers a more comprehensive approach to understanding and diagnosing heart conditions.
Preparing for an ECG is straightforward. Here’s what you need to know:
After the test, we’ll review the ECG results to understand your heart’s electrical activity. Based on what we find, you may need further testing or treatment:
An ECG is a safe and non-invasive procedure. There is no risk of electric shock during the test, as the electrodes only record the heart’s electrical signals. While most patients experience no discomfort, some may feel mild irritation or discomfort where the electrodes are placed, but this usually subsides once they’re removed.
Maintaining heart health is just as important as maintaining any valuable asset, such as your car. We often take our hearts for granted, yet we regularly service our cars, but many neglect to check their heart health. Just like a car needs regular servicing, your heart needs regular check-ups. It’s recommended to have a heart health check-up at least once a year to catch potential issues early. Regular screenings help detect conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, ensuring your heart remains in optimal condition.
An ECG is a quick, simple, and important test that provides valuable information about your heart health. Whether you're experiencing symptoms or just need a routine check-up, this test helps us catch potential heart issues early. If you’ve been experiencing chest pain, palpitations, or other heart-related symptoms, don’t hesitate to schedule an ECG Test at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Your heart health matters, and we’re here to help.
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