Download 12 lead ecg

Patient information leaflet: The 12 Lead ECG
12 Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What is an electrocardiogram?
The electrocardiogram is a cardiac investigation that takes approximately 10 minutes to
acquire. The patient must be reclined and relaxed so that the amplified electrical signal
picks up only the tiny changes in voltage released by the heart during several heart beats.
Electrodes are connected to each arm and leg, and six chest positions- by taking different
combinations of these ten positions a total of 12 different patterns are acquired- hence its
official name.
Each electrical signal
measures only several thousands of a
volt, so its vital the patient is reclined and
relaxed and silent during the recording
because even the voice box and hand
muscles can generate interference.
An ECG does not involve x-rays or
ionising radiation and is painless, however
if there is a lot of chest hair, the nurse may
need to shave small areas to enable good
electrical connection.
An ECG is a useful way of examining the
heart because it gives an overall overview
of its health- it is also the test that most Cardiologists would want to see when assessing a
new patient.
What are the common uses of the procedure?
An ECG can be used in the evaluation of a variety of complaints, cardiac conditions and is
frequently offered as part of health screening.
•
•
•
•
•
It helps a physician determine the hearts rhythm- and presence of disorders such as
atrial fibrillation and flutter
It may help in the evaluation of chest pain and breathlessness
It may help to identify unsuspected heart problems such as cardiomyopathy and
coronary heart disease
It may the only sign of serious and potentially life threatening disorders such as
congenital long or short QT syndrome, pre excitation, heart block and Brugada
syndrome.
It helps in identifying past problems such as heart attacks and angina- which are not
always apparent to a patient.
HeartScreen Plus- copyright SCVC Ltd: August 2012
Patient information leaflet: The 12 Lead ECG
How should I prepare for the examination?
The 12 lead ECG can be taken after Tea, coffee and alcohol as well as all medication- so
no preparation is needed- other than to wear suitable clothing - since you will be asked to
strip to the waist to allow the electrodes to be attached across the chest. Avoid applying
skin creams and oils to your skin on the day of the test since these will reduce electrical
conductivity and may hamper the signal.
What will I experience during the examination
The specialist Nurse will invite you into the ECG room, where you will need to strip to the
waist, and recline so that 10 sticky electrodes can be connected to your arms, legs and
across the chest. Your details will then be entered onto the computer and a recording
taken. The tracing is then analysed by the computer - and sent to an experienced
Cardiologist who will also be informed about whether you have any symptoms or are
taking any medication.
How will I get the results
Although the 12 lead ECG and computerised report will be available minutes after the test,
its main value is how this is interpreted by the Cardiologist in clinical context.
For example small changes in the appearance of the T wave in V lead 1 and 2 may be
terrifically important if there is a family history of collapse or sudden death, or
breathlessness, so the true power of the investigation can only be realized when
interpreted by an experienced Cardiologist who has been made aware of your history, any
medical conditions, medication and whether you have any symptoms.
Once these data are collected and presented to our Cardiologist, a report will be issued and usually sent with the 12 lead ECG to your GP within a week.
If you have requested it, a copy can also be sent to you electronically, so that you or your
physician can view it any time in the future.
The 12 lead ECG taken while in good health is an important baseline test, because in the
event of requiring hospital admission in the future, most medical teams will order another,
and additional information obtained when this is compared with prior recordings- thus this
examination, quite literately, could save your life.
Heartscreen Bronze
consists of a Nurse questionnaire, a 12 lead
electrocardiogram and Cardiologist report- all of which will be sent to the
patient- since this examination can be requested without a GP referral
HeartScreen Plus- copyright SCVC Ltd: August 2012