Basic EKG

Echocardiogram (EKG)

Sierra

Who Invented The EKG?

Heart electrical activity was shown in frogs in the 19th century. In 1877, Augustus Waller demonstrated the first electrocardiogram using a capillary electrometer and electrodes, relating electrical activity to ventricular contraction. It was Dr. Willem Einthoven, from the Netherlands, who invented the EKG for clinical use by refining the electrometer and delineating PQRST waves.

Multiple Choice

Which animal was heart electrical activity first demonstrated on? (19th century)

• human

• cow

• frog

• rat

Multiple Choice

Who invented the EKG for clinical use?

• Dr. Frank N. Wilson

• Dr. Luigi Giovanni

• Augustus Waller

• Dr. Willem Einthoven

Einthoven's Triangle

He used three limb leads, which became known as Einthoven’s triangle. Einthoven received the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine for his work in creating the first iteration of the clinical EKG and foundation for future innovations to come.

Multiple Select

Dr. Willem Einthoven received the Nobel Prize in (blank) and (blank) for his work in creating the first iteration of the clinical EKG and foundation for future innovations to come.

• physiology

• physics

• literature

• medicine

What is an EKG

• An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. With each beat, an electrical impulse/wave travels through the heart. This wave causes the muscle to squeeze and pump blood from the heart.

• An electrocardiogram records the electrical signals in your heart. It's a common and painless test used to quickly detect heart problems and monitor your heart's health.

Multiple Select

What is this anatomical imaging technique called?

• electrocardiogram

• P-wave

• EKG

• ECG

Multiple Choice

Which best describes an EKG?

• rare and painless

• common and painless

• common and painful

• rare and painful

Dangers/Side Effects

• An electrocardiogram is a safe procedure. There is no risk of electrical shock during the test because the electrodes used do not produce electricity. The electrodes only record the electrical activity of your heart.

• You may have minor discomfort, similar to removing a bandage, when the electrodes are removed. Some people develop a slight rash where the patches were placed.

Multiple Select

Why isn't there a risk of electrical shock?

• electrodes produce electricity

• electrodes aren't present

• electrodes only record the electrical activity of your heart

• electrodes don't produce electricity

Multiple Choice

What is the most significant side effect?

• slight discomfort/rash

• diabetes

• heart problems

• heart attack

Multiple Choice

Which machine is used during an EKG?

What is it used for?

• An electrocardiogram is a painless, noninvasive way to help diagnose many common heart problems in people of all ages. An electrocardiogram can detect abnormal heart rhythm, coronary artery disease, whether you have had a previous heart attack, and how well certain heart disease treatments are working.

• Chest pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or confusion, heart palpitations, rapid pulse, shortness of breath, weakness or fatigue. If you have any of the following signs and symptoms an EKG could be necessary.

Multiple Select

What does an EKG look for?

• abnormal heart rhythm

• blocked arteries

• previous heart attacks

• how effective a pacemaker is

Normal sinus rhythm vs Atrial fibrillation

Multiple Choice

Which EKG scan is abnormal?

Procedure

During an ECG, up to 12 sensors/electrodes will be attached to your chest and limbs. The electrodes are sticky patches with wires that connect to a monitor. They record the electrical signals that make your heart beat. A computer records the information and displays it as waves on a monitor or on paper. You breathe normally during the test, but need to lie still. You should be warm and ready to lie still. Moving, talking or shivering may distort the test results. A standard ECG takes only a few minutes.

Multiple Choice

How many electrodes are attached during an EKG?

• 10

• 11

• 12

• 13

Multiple Choice

How long does a standard EKG take?

• a couple seconds

• an hour

• 10-20 minutes

• a few minutes

Cost In Our Area

In Ohio, EKG's are around $76. The national average is $192. Overall, prices range from $76-$240.

Multiple Choice

How much is an EKG locally?

• $50

• $80

• $100

• $240

Multiple Choice

How much is the national average cost for an EKG?

• $80

• $120

• $190

• $240