Why is ECG monitoring important & can it detect heart disease?
                     ABOUT DOCTOR
Interventional 
Cardiologist
Apollo Hospitals, 
Indore
Dr. Sarita Rao is a Sr. Interventional Cardiologist at 
Apollo  Hospitals, Indore. She is the first female 
Interventional  Cardiologist in Central India. She is 
Fellow of American  College of Cardiology(FACC) 
and Fellow of European  Society of 
Cardiology(FESC)
For OPD Appointments Contact : +91 9893925000
OPD Timing at Apollo Hospitals, Indore: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Apollo Hospitals, Indore Sector D Rd, Scheme No 74C, Vijay 
Nagar, Indore.
OPD Timing at Clinic: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: 303, Third Floor, Vishal Astra, Opp. Satya Sai School, A.B Road, 
Indore, MP.
Why is ECG monitoring important & can it detect heart disease?
In conjunction with other diagnostic procedures, an electrocardiogram (ECG) can help 
determine the presence and severity of heart problems.
Test subjects who have chest pain, palpitations (rapid, irregular heartbeats), dizziness, or 
shortness of breath may benefit from this.
A person's risk for these conditions can be reduced with the aid of an electrocardiogram.
• Heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias) include slow, rapid, and irregular heartbeats.
• CHD (coronary heart disease) - Where there is an obstruction of the heart's blood supply 
due to a build-up of fatty substances.
• Arrests of the heart– Where there is an unexpected reduction in blood flow to the heart
• Cardiac myopathy - Areas of the heart where the walls have thickened or expanded 
An individual with known heart disease or taking medications that may affect the heart can 
be monitored using a series of ECGs performed at regular intervals.
Why is an ECG so helpful, 
exactly?
An electrocardiogram 
can detect and 
diagnose many 
different heart 
conditions. It's the gold 
standard for 
diagnosing and keeping 
tabs on cardiac 
disease. An ECG scan 
or long-term 
monitoring could be 
helpful if you have 
heart-related 
symptoms, a family 
history of heart 
disease, or a poor diet 
and sedentary lifestyle.
Can an ECG detect a stroke?
Yes. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can reveal an existing heart condition, such as a previous 
heart attack or one that may develop into a stroke. Such an electrocardiogram would be 
considered abnormal. For example, ECG is widely used to confirm and monitor atrial 
fibrillation (AFib), a condition that leads to blood clots that can result in stroke.
Method of ECG
• Before getting an ECG, there is no need to fast or limit fluid intake. Before getting an 
electrocardiogram (ECG), you should always tell your doctor about any drugs you're 
taking and any allergies to the adhesive tapes that may be used to attach the electrodes.
• You'll need to undress completely to attach electrodes to your chest and arms during an 
ECG exam. Access to the chest may be improved by wearing a shirt with pants or a skirt. 
• An ECG should be performed on dry, oil-free skin for optimal results. Hair is removed 
from the chosen areas, if necessary, as this hinders the electrodes from making good 
contact with the skin.
To collect data, electrodes (sensors) are stuck to the chest, arms, and legs using adhesive gel. 
With the help of these electrodes, the electrocardiograph can measure and record the 
heart's electrical activity.
There are three main categories of electrocardiograms:
An electrocardiogram is taken while the patient is at rest -
This kind of ECG is performed while the patient is lying flat. The test requires complete 
immobility because even the slightest movement could disrupt the heart's electrical 
impulses. The standard processing time for this kind of electrocardiogram is 5-10 minutes.
24-hour electrocardiogram (ECG) -
An ambulatory or Holter electrocardiogram requires the patient to carry around a portable 
recording device for the duration of the test, often 24 hours. It won't restrict your mobility at 
all to have a monitor attached to you while you go about your day. Intermittent symptoms 
that do not appear on a resting electrocardiogram and patients recuperating from a heart 
attack may benefit from this type of ECG. To match your own experience with the ECG's 
findings, you keep a journal of your symptoms and the times at which they occur.
EST, or exercise stress test -
For this evaluation, exercise equipment, such as a stationary bike or treadmill, is used with an 
electrocardiogram (ECG) recording device. Typically, this kind of electrocardiogram takes 
between 15 and 30 minutes to do.
Is there a possibility of adverse effects?
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool. When it's being done, 
you won't be shocked.
It may hurt a little bit, like when you peel off a bandage or remove the electrodes from your 
skin, and some people develop a slight rash at the site where they were attached.
An exercise electrocardiogram is carried out in a clinical setting. If you start to feel unwell or 
exhibit any symptoms during the test, the person administering it will immediately stop it 
and seek medical attention for you.
Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals is one of the 
Best Cardiologist in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Book your appointment with Top 
Cardiologist in Indore, call us on +91 9893925000 or visit our website - 
https://drsaritaraocardiologist.com/
Please go visit our social media :
Facebook :-  https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Sarita-Rao-Cardiologist-101841215429014
Please do follow on Instagram 
Instagram :- https://www.instagram.com/drsarita_rao/
To More Post: -  All about the ventricular septal defect