Resting electrocardiogram (ECG)

Recording of the heart's electrical activity at rest, used to detect abnormalities of rhythm or conduction and signs of myocardial ischemia.

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What is it?

The resting electrocardiogram is the most commonly performed cardiology examination. It records the electrical activity of the heart using electrodes placed on the skin of the chest and limbs. This simple, quick and completely painless test provides essential information about how the heart is working. The resting ECG can detect many cardiac conditions: rhythm disturbances (atrial fibrillation, extrasystoles, tachycardias), conduction disturbances (atrioventricular blocks, bundle branch blocks), signs of myocardial ischemia, enlargement of the heart chambers, and even electrolyte abnormalities. This examination is indicated in cases of chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, faintness or loss of consciousness. It is also part of the routine health check-up for patients at cardiovascular risk and is an essential preliminary test before any surgical procedure. At the Clinique Pasteur in Tunis, the ECG is performed by specialized technicians and interpreted immediately by a cardiologist. Results are available within minutes of the examination, allowing prompt management if an abnormality is detected.

When is it indicated?

Chest pain or tightness

When discomfort or a feeling of tightness appears in the chest, the ECG quickly checks whether the heart is the cause.

Palpitations or a feeling of irregular heartbeat

If you feel your heart beating too fast, too hard or irregularly, this tracing helps identify a possible rhythm disturbance.

Unusual shortness of breath

Breathlessness that occurs for no apparent reason, at rest or on minimal exertion, may have a cardiac origin that the ECG helps to identify.

Faintness, dizziness or loss of consciousness

After fainting or dizzy spells, the examination looks for an electrical abnormality of the heart that could explain these episodes.

Assessment before a surgical procedure

Before an operation, the ECG checks that the heart is working normally so that the anesthesia and the procedure can take place safely.

Follow-up of known heart conditions

In a person already being treated for heart disease, regular ECGs make it possible to monitor progress and detect any change.

Health check-up for patients at cardiovascular risk

In cases of high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking or family history, this simple test is part of routine heart monitoring.

Monitoring during cardiac treatment

Some heart medications require monitoring: the ECG checks that the treatment is working properly and remains well tolerated.

Preparation

1No special preparation is required

2Wear clothing that allows easy access to the chest

3Avoid applying creams or oils to the skin of the chest on the day of the examination

4Bring a list of your current medications

5Bring the results of your previous ECGs if available

Procedure

The patient lies on their back on an examination table

The technician places 10 electrodes: 6 on the chest and 4 on the limbs (wrists and ankles)

A conductive gel is applied to improve contact between the electrodes and the skin

The recording lasts about 10 seconds, during which the patient must remain still and relaxed

The tracing is printed and analyzed by the cardiologist

The electrodes are removed and the gel is wiped off

Duration

5 to 10 minutes

Results

Results are available immediately after the examination. The cardiologist interprets the tracing and gives a report to the patient or their attending physician.

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At a glance

Duration: 5 to 10 minutes

Preparation: Required

Non-invasive examination

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