What Do Abnormal EKG Results Mean?
Abnormal EKG results can indicate a variety of heart issues, ranging from mild to severe conditions. One of the most common abnormalities detected by an EKG is an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat. Abnormal heart rhythms may signal conditions like atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, which require further evaluation and management. EKGs can also reveal signs of ischemia, where parts of the heart are not receiving enough oxygen due to blocked arteries, which could indicate coronary artery disease or an increased risk of a heart attack.
Abnormalities in the EKG's waveform can also suggest structural issues, such as hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart), which may be due to high blood pressure or other cardiovascular diseases. In addition, abnormal results can point to electrolyte imbalances, which affect how the heart conducts electrical impulses. It’s important to remember that an abnormal EKG does not always mean a serious problem, but it does indicate the need for further tests or monitoring to fully understand the underlying issue.
