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| ECG (Electrocardiography) |
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| How It Works |
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ECG is an important tool in detecting heart disease and pinpointing where problems lie. An ECG is a non-invasive test in which electrode patches are attached to your skin to measure electrical impulses given off by your heart. The electrical impulses, which cause your heart to contract and relax, are transmitted to an ECG machine. They are recorded in the form of waves, which are displayed on a computer monitor. Each wave represents the electrical current in a different area of the heart and by interpreting the patterns of these waves your doctor can diagnose several abnormal heart conditions. Each wave provides information about your heart muscle, including: heart rate and rhythm, heart damage, heart attack history, blood and oxygen supply to the heart, and structural abnormalities such as enlarged heart muscle. Further testing may be needed, according to the results and the opinion of your doctor. |
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| Benefits |
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Anyone with cardiovascular disease or symptoms of heart disease may need an ECG to determine the type and extent of problems. If you have chest pain for example, it is important to find out what is causing it. This test is included as part of the detailed Cardiovascular Risk Assessment. |
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| Procedures |
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An ECG takes only a few minutes. It's painless, safe and no special preparations are necessary. After undressing from the waist up, you lie on a bed or examining table and relax. Twelve to 15 electrodes are attached to the skin of your legs, arms, neck and torso and the readings are taken while you lie still and quiet. The electrodes are sticky patches applied with a gel that helps conduct and detect the electrical currents of your heart. |
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| Referral |
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Yes, this test needs to be requested by your doctor. |
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| Costs |
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Please ask YourHealth reception when booking, or ask your healthcare practitioner at your next appointment. |
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| More Info |
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| For more information regarding this test, any conditions, treatments or programs mentioned please contact us. |
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