ECG assessment and analysis

When is an ECG necessary?

An ECG may be required on an occasional or routine basis. Occasional instances include the aforementioned surgical preparations or obtaining a driver’s licence, or in the case of acute medical issues. For managing hypertension, performing a comprehensive internal medicine examination with an ECG is part of the routine as well. In the presence of chest pains, along with further investigations, performing an ECG is also essential.

What types of ECG examinations are there?

There are different types of ECGs available worldwide, with significant differences in terms of the applied method and recorded data. It is essential to select the most appropriate type of examination for the specific purpose:

• 12-lead ECG: This is the most commonly used type, describing the heart's electrical activity with data collected from 12 different points. The leads are placed on the chest, arms, and legs. This type of ECG provides a comprehensive picture of the heart's activity and rhythm.
• 3-lead ECG: In this case, data is recorded from only 3 leads (chest and arms). This type is less informative than the standard 12-lead ECG, but it may be suitable for recognizing basic heart rhythm abnormalities.
• Holter monitor ECG: This is a portable ECG device worn by the patient for a period of 24 to 48 hours. The monitor continuously records the heart's electrical activity during daily activities. This allows the detection of intermittent heart rhythm disorders.
• Stress ECG: This procedure is often combined with an exercise stress test. The patient's ECG is recorded while they are exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. This helps doctors observe how the heart responds to stress and aids in the recognition of hidden heart diseases. 

At our clinic, a comprehensive 12-lead ECG examination is available.