What Does an Electrocardiogram Detect?
An electrocardiogram is a critical diagnostic tool used to assess the heart's electrical and muscular functions. It can help detect a variety of heart conditions, from minor to life-threatening. ECGs are commonly used to diagnose arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, as well as heart blockages, and myocardial infarction (heart attacks). It can also show if the heart is enlarged and overworked, which can be signs of heart failure. Additionally, an ECG can monitor the health of someone who has been diagnosed with heart disease, and it can indicate whether certain medications are having an effect on the heart.
Moreover, ECGs can help identify electrolyte imbalances and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart, such as a pacemaker. However, while ECGs are highly useful for these purposes, they do not provide information about the physical condition of the heart's valves and blood vessels or the heart’s pumping strength; other tests may be needed for a comprehensive evaluation.
