Normal ECG Components
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a noninvasive medical procedure that is used extensively to evaluate and monitor the electrical activity of the heart. In order to administer the ECG, a technician places electrodes on the chest and records electrical conduction on a specialized machine that is connected to the electrodes. A normal ECG consists of a series of waves and intervals that represent the activity during a cardiac cycle. Those who have cardiac damage or who suffer from heart disease might show abnormal patterns on their tracing.
Technicians who work in cardiac care must have an understanding of normal ECG patterns if they hope to be capable of providing an initial evaluation of the quality of the test results before passing them off to a registered nurse or licensed physician for professional review. The ability to differentiate between a high quality exam and a low quality exam is one of the essential skills that … Click Here to Continue Reading
ECG Lead Placement
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is an extremely important diagnostic tool for the evaluation of electrical activity in the heart. The information helps identify functional abnormalities and to guide the decision-making process. In order to formulate an accurate idea about the health of the heart, it is critical that the provider have a comprehensive understanding of proper ECG lead placement. Failure to place electrodes at the appropriate locations can result in a non-standard result that makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat the patient.
Spatial Orientation and Einthoven’s Triangle
Electrical signals travel through the cardiac tissue along a complex network of nerves and intercellular connections. While signals pass through the heart, they can be detected by sensors that are placed on the patient’s body. Because these signals move along different spatial planes, the electrocardiogram must be capable of providing information about each plane. This is why there are standards for the number of electrodes … Click Here to Continue Reading
EKG Technician Job Description
Healthcare is one of the largest job sectors in the US because of the demand created by the expanding population, the aging Baby Boomer generation, and poor dietary behaviors. Some of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality are related to diseases like that of obesity, diabetes, and a high blood pressure. These conditions cause damage to the body’s organs and must be managed well in order to improve health outcomes for patients. Tasks included in the standard EKG technician job description are critical to patient care.
Facts About Heart Disease in the US
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 25% of all deaths in the US each year are attributable to heart disease. Over half of the deaths that occur as a result of heart disease are caused by the occlusion of the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the cardiac cells. Around 720,000 … Click Here to Continue Reading
