What Are ECG Electrodes And How Can They Save My Life?

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When it comes to the human body, the heart is really the "life" of the being. The heart doesn't just pump out blood to all the arteries in the body but it is also monitored in order for doctors to tell you different things about your health as well. The ECG electrodes or Electrocardiography is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart over time via skin electrodes. It is a noninvasive recording produced by an electrocardiograph device. It is the best way to measure and diagnose abnormal rhythms of the heart, particularly abnormal rhythms induced by impairment to the conductive tissue that transmits electrical signals, or abnormal rhythms caused by levels of dissolved salts (electrolytes), such as potassium that are too high or low.

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Obviously if you get this kind of a test done it is probably because the doctor wants to make sure your heart is on the up and up. The test itself is really quite simple though it might sound a little scary to some people at first. The three main parts of the ECG machine are the electrode holder, electrode pads and gel and the grounding cable. Of course you also have the graph paper, filters, and other wires as well. There are also specific ECG electrodes placement areas where the "charges" are places for different machines and different reasons.

For example, the Electrode label for RA equals the right arm, avoiding any bony prominences such as elbow, forearm or wrist bones. V1 means fourth intercostal space (between ribs 4 & 5) to the right of the sternum (breastbone). Of course if you are a patient this isn't really "need to know" material, but I think its fun just to know anyway! The point of the ECG is that it can be used by your doctor to find out if you have any infarction's. This is also a way to find out about less serious problems as well such as MVP or "heart palpitations".

All in all it's a machine that really could not only end up saving your life but helping your health out in the long run because doctors can then read the stats on the paper and catch anything before it gets too serious! There are also various sites you can find online which will allow you to see some of the parts of the machine or the machine itself. I think once people actually see it they will be less prone to be scared - especially after you understand what an important machine this really is!