Tag: arrhythmia

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the most fundamental diagnostic tools in modern cardiology, offering a visual representation of the heart's electrical activity. By analyzing the distinct waveforms and intervals of a normal sinus rhythm, medical professionals can evaluate cardiac health, diagnose arrhythmias, and assess the efficiency of blood flow through the heart chambers. This article breaks down the anatomy of a single heartbeat as seen on a tracing, explaining the physiological events behind each peak and valley.

This historical photograph illustrates a pivotal moment in the evolution of cardiology, depicting an early commercial electrocardiograph manufactured by the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Company around 1911. Based on the groundbreaking standards established by Willem Einthoven, this massive apparatus represents the transition of cardiac monitoring from experimental physics laboratories to clinical application. The image displays a subject with limbs immersed in saline solution, a primitive yet effective method for conducting the heart's electrical signals to the string galvanometer, laying the foundational principles for the modern 12-lead ECG used in hospitals today.

The disposable device shown in the image is an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) electrode, a fundamental component in modern cardiology used to detect the heart's electrical activity. These sensors act as transducers, converting the ionic currents generated by the heart muscle into electron currents that can be interpreted by a monitoring machine. By adhering securely to the patient's skin, these electrodes ensure the transmission of clear, high-fidelity signals, which are essential for diagnosing heart conditions ranging from minor irregular heartbeats to life-threatening cardiac events.

This diagram visually explains the procedure of cardioversion, a medical treatment used to correct abnormally fast or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). It typically involves delivering a controlled electric shock to the chest to reset the heart's electrical activity, aiming to restore a normal sinus rhythm. The image highlights the key components and personnel involved in this crucial cardiac intervention.

Explore the characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns of atrioventricular (AV) blocks, organized by degree. This article provides a detailed explanation of First-Degree, Second-Degree (Mobitz I and II, 2:1), and Third-Degree AV blocks, crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of these cardiac conduction disorders.