Electrocardiogram

It is the method used to obtain a graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart, which is given by the variations of electrical potential generated by the set of cardiac cells.

This procedure can take about five minutes, requires no preparation prior to the test, is painless, noninvasive and consists of connecting the patient to a device called electrocardiograph, through a conductive cables that at its distal end has 10 conductive metal elements called electrodes, which are placed in different sites in contact with the patient’s skin. Six on the thorax, two on the lower extremities and two on the upper extremities.

With the electrocardiogram we can detect lesions in the cardiac muscle such as old or recent heart attacks, cardiac rhythm disorders (arrhythmias), changes related to inflammation of the cardiac muscle (myocarditis) or the membrane that covers it (pericarditis), as well as growth of the different cardiac cavities in relation to birth defects (congenital) or acquired diseases such as arterial hypertension and valvular disease, among others.

• Attend 15 minutes before the assigned appointment time.

• You must have at least 1 hour.

• Present identification document (Civil Registration, Identity Card, Citizenship Card, Foreigners Card or Passport), health entity card, medical order and/or authorization.

• Present: medical history, current medication form and tests previously performed.

• Bring the money corresponding to the value of the moderating fee or value of the particular appointment as appropriate.

• If the patient is under age, over 60 years old or has any special condition, he/she must attend with one (1) companion.

• You can take your usual medication, if applicable.

• Fasting is not required.

• You can wear the desired clothing, although it is recommended that it is easy to remove, since you will be asked to uncover the chest, ankles and wrists. It is also not advisable to wear metal objects (earrings, bracelets, etc.) as you will be asked to remove them during the test.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding do not contraindicate the performance of the test.

• It is important to inform the physician of the presence of a pacemaker and current medication, as some medications may cause alterations in the EKG.