1.2 | Uses of an ECG

What do healthcare providers use ECG for?

Healthcare providers use ECGs to look for abnormalities or changes from past recordings when available

At what age should Americans start getting annual EKGs?

Age 40

Why is it recommended for Americans above the age of 40 to get annual EKGs?

Heart risks normally go up at that age making it ideal to make a baseline cardiogram

What is a baseline cardiogram

A "before" picture of your heart taken when you are healthy or at a starting point.

How does a baseline tracing (cardiogram) help physicians?

It acts as a "before" picture so doctors can compare it to a new test to instantly spot heart changes.

What is a 12-lead ECG?

It provides a tracing of the electrical activity of a pateint’s heart and is one of the most used tools to assess a patients heart

When are 12-lead ECGs used?

Before surgery, during/after code blues, and when needed stat

What is a code blue?

medical emergencies such as cardiac or respatory arrest

What does stat mean and when is it appropriate to consider something stat

immediately, When suddenly or when a patient is experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, syncope, altered mental status, or change in cardiac rhythm

What is continuous heart monitoring?

the non-stop tracking and recording of your heartbeat over a long period.

How does continuous heart monitoring look?

Sensors also known as electrodes are attached to a patient’s chest, lead wires connect the electrodes to a small transmitter box or directly to a bedside display monitor

Where could continuous ECG lead-12 be used in?

ICU, CCU, SICU, ED, Inpatient telementary unit, or operating room

What is the primary use of a 12-lead ECG in a doctor's office or ambulatory care clinic?

Performed as part of general, routine, or pre-operative examinations.

Who evaluates the ECG tracing to look for changes indicating different health conditions?

A physician or trained expert.

What is an outpatient treadmill test?

it is a test that determines if the heart receives adequate blood flow during physical stress or excericise

What is a Holter Monitor?

A type of ambulatory monitor consisting of a small box strapped to a patient’s waist, neck, or shoulder to continuously monitor the heart for 24-48 hours while the patient is at home

What is an event monitor?

A battery powered portable device controlled by patient to record electrical activity specially when symptoms occur and may be worn up to 30 days and then analyzed

what do emergency medical technicians and paramedics use outside of healthcare facilities to get tracings of hearts?

Portable ECG machines

How are results analyzed from portable ECG machines?

They are analyzed on site by the emergency personnel or transmitted to a physician for evaluation

what are some treatments for abnormal heart rhythms?

the use of a defibrillator and/or administration of cardiac medications

What is a defibrillator?

A machine that produces and sends an electric shock to the heart in attempt to correct the electrical pattern of the heart

Why is it important to be quick while there is a abnormal heart rhythm?

The survival rate of a victim decreases by 7% to 10% for every minute a normal heartbeat is not restored

What is an automatic external defibrillator (AED)

A lightweight, portable device that recognizes abnormal rhythms and determines if the rhythm is considered a “shockable rhythm”

What is a dysrhythmia?

An abnormal heartbeat

What is Cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

(CPR) the provision (giving) of ventilations (breaths) and chest compressions (blood circulation) for a person who shows no signs of breathing or having a heartbeat

Where are AEDs available?

In public and private places where large numbers of people gather or live, they may also be kept in homes by people who are at high risk for heart attacks

what is considered a shockable rhythm to an AED machine?

Pulseless ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (learning in later chapters)

If the AED machine recognizes other rhythms that cause the patient to be unresponsive but not shockable what will it recommend?

It will recommend to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

List safety precautions for using an AED

Check patient for medication patches, pacemakers, and metal objects (to prevent burns). In addition do not use an AED when the patient is in water.

If an AED indicates that a “SHOCK IS ADVISED” what should happen?

Everyone near the patient must move back and not touch the patient. One person will then announce “clear”, “everyone clear” and press the shock button

What is done after the AED machine administers a shock?

After the shock has been provided the rescuers continue administering CPR until the patient wakes up.

After the shock is administered by a AED and you are now performing CPR what should happen next?

You should keep administering CPR until the patient wakes up, The machine Indicate to defibrillate again or specially trained healthcare professionals safely take over