how does ECG work?
electrodes placed on the skin to detect electrical activity of heart
what does ECG detect?
abnormalities in conduction of impulses, including changes caused by heart damage.
how does Holter monitor work?
provides continuous ECG monitoring for 24-48 hours
what does a Holter monitor detect?
occasional dysthymias that may be correlated with specific activities noted in the patient’s diary
Holter monitoring patient education
- wear loose clothing
- only take sponge baths
- avoid magnets and metal detectors
- monitor place of electrodes
- keep accurate diary of activities and to push “event button” if symptoms occur
how does implantable loop work?
provides ECG monitoring for longer periods of time and saves information on a memory loop for analysis
what does an implantable loop detect?
dysrhythmias causing syncopal episodes
implantable loop patient education
- activate recorder when symptoms occur
- keep written record of events
how does echocardiogram work?
uses ultrasound to create images of heart
what does an echocardiogram detect?
- valve abnormalities
- left ventricular hypertrophy
- hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
stress test patient education
- NPO for 2 hours prior
- wear loose clothing
- give beta blocker if prescribed
signed consent is needed!
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
-creates images of body structures without radiation
Ultrafast computed tomography (CT) is used to assess
- assess myocardial perfusion
- right and left ventricular muscle mass & function
- measure calcium deposits in the coronary circulation
Cardiac catherization procedure
- catheter is passed through a vein or artery and dye in injected
- radiographs are taken to visualize heart structures and blood vessels
- allergies to seafood, iodine???
Electrophysiology study (EPS)
- catheter with multiple electrodes is passed into the right side of the heart through femoral vein
- electrodes record electrical activity of the conduction system
- may be used to stimulate dysrhythmias
