| Prior to visiting a cardiologist or a heart specialist, the | | | | device worn by a patient experiencing heart problems. |
| referring physician first carries out an | | | | These are often used on patients during a hospital |
| electrocardiograph test. These tests are performed on | | | | stay. The machine, which is radio controlled, sends a |
| EKG machines. The electrocardiograph machines | | | | constant stream of information to the nurse's station. |
| measure the electronic pulses that the heart produces | | | | This allows a nurse to constantly monitor the patient. If |
| throughout and in between heartbeats. | | | | a patient's condition warrants it, he or she may be sent |
| An electrocardiogram technician attaches small | | | | home with a heart monitor. The home version |
| electrodes to a patient's legs, arms, and chest. The | | | | operates slightly different but will sound an alarm if |
| electrodes have small clamps that are then affixed to | | | | electrical impulses change enough to necessitate a |
| the EKG machines. Measurements are drawn and | | | | return visit to the hospital. |
| printed out on paper for the physician to interpret. The | | | | When the physician receives the EKG results from the |
| electrocardiogram technician may be able to read the | | | | technician, he or she will review the patterns recorded |
| printout. However, the patient will probably be told to | | | | by the machine. These patterns may lead to several |
| wait until the physician has read the results and returns | | | | different diagnoses of heart problems that the |
| to give the patient the results. | | | | machine can pick up, including conduction disorders, |
| An EKG test is a painless procedure. No electrical | | | | electrolyte disturbances, problems with heart valves, |
| current is introduced into the patient's body during the | | | | and enlarged heart conditions. |
| test. Instead, the procedure measures the electrical | | | | Occasionally, a patient with an irregular heartbeat will |
| current already in the body. It is vital that the patient | | | | have a pacemaker surgically implanted. A pacemaker |
| remain absolutely calm and still during the test. If the | | | | is a tiny defibrillator that is inserted inside the human |
| leads are working properly the procedure typically lasts | | | | anatomy. It is designed to issue a slight electrical shock |
| less than a minute. | | | | to the heart should the electrical pattern become |
| A long-term EKG machine, or heart machine, is a | | | | unstable. |