Electrocardiogram or ECG

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is an instrument recording the electric currents generated by a heart beat. By measuring this we can find out if the heart is functioning normally. According to experts, the chances for women developing heart diseases are more than men. Women are more than 1¹/₂ times as likely to die with in a year of their first heart attack than men.

The symptoms felt by men and women during an attack are different. Women may experience little or no chest pain. During a heart attack, women often experience shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing and may even have pain or weakness in their shoulders, arms or all  over their bodies. There may even be vomiting. The symptoms are more likely to occur when they are resting or during mental stress of physical exercise. Women are also likely to experience fatigue.

When these symptoms occur and doesn't go away but worsen with the passage of time, it is sure that it is a heart attack. But if these symptoms come and go, it can be Angina- a temporary lack of Oxygen to the heart, which is a warning sign of a future heart attack.

A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, reducing stress and losing excess weight  help to prevent heart disease.

Test
One of the age old test used to detect heart disease is the treadmill stress test, in which an electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed continuously during exercise. This test works fine for men, but in the case of women it does not give accurate results. New tests have been developed, for obtaining gender equivalent results. The two most accurate new tests involve imaging. The first one of these imaging techniques involves having a patient walk on a treadmill, then injecting a radioactive isotope into the blood stream which allows special scanners to track the blood flow through the heart. Another option is the stress echocardiogram test. It's accurate, sensitive and there is no injection and doesn't take as long as a technetium test. But these tests are not usually necessary for pre menopausal women who have no risk factors for heart disease. 

Age for testing : 
Every one aged 30 and older should have a baseline ECG Test. These tests are recommended for those who are more prone for a heart disease risk, like people having a sudden new pain, and those who are smokers and have a family history of diabetes or have diabetes.

Note : All statements given are only for information purpose. We are not responsible or liable for any problems related to the utilization of information on this site. We suggest that you consult a qualified doctor before trying any alternative health care remedies.