Medical Equipment Repair Hoffman Estates

Medical Equipment Repair Hoffman Estates – Terrain Biomedical – 773-697-8400

Heart Rhythms on ECG Machines

The heart’s electric system triggers the actual motion of the heartbeat. An electrocardiogram represents every beat with a “wave arm.” A typical heart rhythm indicates the hearts electrical activity follows a normal pathway. A regular rhythm is approximately 50 to 100 beats per minute. A rhythm doctors consider too fast – tachycardia – is higher than 100 beats per minute. A rhythm that’s too slow –bradycardia – is lower than 60 beats per minute.

The Electrical System of the Heart

The upper chambers of the heart are called the atria. They work together with the ventricles, which are the lower chambers. They alternately contract and relax to circulate blood through the heart. This electric system serves as a power source which makes it possible.

Irregular rhythms can happen in healthy hearts. Also, some medications or substances like alcohol, cold remedies and nicotine can cause arrhythmias. Emotional reactions like shock or stress can also result in irregular rhythms.

Recurring arrhythmias that may be in relation to a heart condition are concerning and call for a doctor’s evaluation. Usually, treating an underlying heart condition will resolve arrhythmia. Otherwise, there are medications and other procedures available to help manage the abnormal rhythm.

Doctors use the ECG to:

• -Assess a patient’s heart rhythm.
• -Diagnose insufficient blood flow to the heart.
• -Diagnose heart attacks or abnormalities. For example, abnormal electrical condition or heart chamber enlargement.

Medical Equipment Repair Hoffman Estates – Terrain Biomedical – 773-697-8400

Preparing for an ECG

Do not apply skin cream or lotions on the day of the ECG test. They can interfere with the electrode-skin contacts. Additionally, do not wear hosiery because the doctor may need to be place the electrodes directly on the patient’s legs. Wear a shirt that‘s easy to remove.

While administering an ECG, a technician attaches electrodes to the skin of the patient’s arms, chest legs. Staff may need to shave chest hair on male patients to enable a better electrode connection. The patient lies down while the unit’s computer develops a picture of the electric impulses moving through the heart. It generally takes around 10 minutes for attaching the electrodes and perform the test. However, the recording itself takes just a few seconds. The patient’s ECG patterns typically remain on file for future reference.

To rent or purchase an ECG machine for your medical facility contact Terrain Biomedical today.