Common abnormalities in electrocardiograms and their interpretation

Time : 2023-11-16

An electrocardiogram is an important tool used to test heart function. By recording the electrical activity of the heart and drawing it on paper, it can help doctors determine whether there is any abnormality in the working of the heart. However, there are some common anomalies we may encounter when performing ECG interpretation. Here are some common ECG abnormalities and their interpretation.


Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a change in the heart's beating rate, sequence, or regularity. Common arrhythmias include atrial fibrillation, premature ventricular contractions, etc. Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder in which the heart's atria no longer contract in unison, resulting in irregular heartbeats. Premature ventricular contractions refer to early ventricular beats caused by ectopic excitement of ventricular and atrial node cells in the heart. These abnormalities will show abnormal P waves or QRS complexes on the electrocardiogram, and doctors should pay close attention to the patient's condition.


Ischemic changes

Myocardial ischemia is a condition in which the oxygen supply to the myocardium is reduced due to insufficient blood supply from the coronary arteries. Myocardial ischemia may manifest as ST segment elevation or depression, T wave inversion, etc. ST segment elevation may be a sign of acute myocardial infarction, while T wave inversion may be a sign of coronary heart disease under the influence of transparent sympathetic nerves.


Foucault syndrome

Foucault syndrome is a common electrocardiographic manifestation of primary bradycardia and (or) polymorphic premature ventricular contractions complicated by special ECG abnormal changes. ECG changes in Foucault syndrome include wide angle QRS complexes (≥ 0.12 s), bundle branch block, wide qrs-T interference, ventricular fibrillation, sustained atrioventricular escape rhythm, etc.


Ventricular hypertrophy

Ventricular hypertrophy is an enlargement of the heart caused by thickening of the heart muscle. Ventricular hypertrophy manifests itself on the electrocardiogram as increased width of the QRS complex, deep and sharp S waves, and ST segment depression.

When interpreting electrocardiograms, doctors should pay attention to these abnormalities and conduct a comprehensive analysis combined with the patient's clinical manifestations. Although an electrocardiogram can provide useful information to help diagnose heart disease, further clinical examination and evaluation are needed to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. If patients are worried about their heart problems, please consult a professional doctor promptly for correct consultation and treatment suggestions.

Understanding common abnormalities on an EKG can help people better understand their heart health. At the same time, by consulting a doctor promptly, we can better prevent and manage heart disease and maintain physical and mental health in our daily lives.

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