Guide To An Electrocardiogram

Types Of Electrocardiograms

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The most common type of electrocardiogram is the resting 12-lead form. It is used to look for any abnormalities of a patient's heart while they are sitting still. An exercise electrocardiogram, which is also called a stress test, measures the heart's electrical activity during exercise. This is normally performed while a patient walks on a treadmill while attached to a monitoring device. A cardiopulmonary exercise test is an advanced version of the exercise electrocardiogram. It is designed to test the heart, lungs, and muscles simultaneously. In addition to attached electrodes, a mouthpiece is normally worn over the mouth during a cardiopulmonary exercise test.

When other types of electrocardiograms are unable to pinpoint a problem, a Holter monitor may be used. This is a battery-powered device that patients typically wear for up to forty-eight hours so that it can monitor the heart over longer periods. A signal-averaged electrocardiogram is often used in combination with other types because it is more sensitive at detecting heart dysfunction and is typically administered for anywhere between five to twenty minutes.

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