Many will be surprised to learn that even the healthiest and strongest heart does not work exactly like a Swiss watch. Heart rate variability (it is also called cycle length variability or variability of R-R intervals) is the phenomenon of a change in time between two consecutive heartbeats.

Even when a person is at rest and his pulse is sufficiently stable, his R-R intervals (intervals between heart
contractions) can be very different from each other.

A variety of factors affect heart rate variability:

• cardiovascular health
• psychological stress level
• sleep and rest quality and other parameters.

What should be the “good” rhythm variability?

Everything related to heart rate interests us from a training point of view. Studying heart rate variability can help you understand how your body adapts to exercise.

A low resting heart rate usually indicates a strong and healthy heart, so low variability should also indicate health and fitness? No, that's not true at all! Low heart rate variability indicates his health problems, stress, excessive exertion, and high - that your autonomic nervous system adapts well to the changing conditions of the external and internal environment.

That is, if this parameter increases over time, then your form is growing.

Now R-R intervals are of increasing interest to researchers; for example, it was found that the intervals between contractions were reduced in groups with diseases such as coronary heart disease, fibromyalgia, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and even depression.

How to measure HRV?

One of the options is, of course, to do an EKG and get an appointment with a cardiologist. But athletes are more important not individual results of the study, but rather their dynamics, so you will have to go to the doctor regularly!

However, this is not the only way to get the data you want.

To measure HRV at home you need:

Run the test when you first wake up and follow the instructions on the screen. These will be automatically saved to your watch and then added to your Polar Flow profile.

Try to always test under similar conditions - for example, immediately after waking up without getting out of bed, after a day of rest, and if you have slept enough at night. Otherwise, additional factors will influence the results.

You can analyze the test data using the Polar Flow service.

Keep in mind that your current health status, previous exercise, stress level, and amount of sleep also affect your head test results.

Source: www.PolarSport.ru

Indications for ECG

In clinical practice, there are several indications for electrocardiography:

• severe chest pain;
• persistent fainting;
• dyspnea;
• intolerance physical activity;
• dizziness;
• heart murmurs.

With a routine examination, ECG is a mandatory diagnostic method. There may be other indications, which are determined by the attending physician. If you have any other alarming symptoms - immediately consult a doctor to identify the cause.

How to decipher the cardiogram of the heart?

A strict plan for decoding the ECG consists of analyzing the resulting graph. In practice, only the total vector of the QRS complex is used. The work of the heart muscle is presented in the form of a continuous line with marks and alphanumeric designations. Anyone can decipher the ECG with a certain preparation, but only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis. ECG analysis requires knowledge of algebra, geometry and an understanding of lettering.

ECG indicators, which must be addressed when decoding the results:

• intervals;
• segments;
• teeth.

There are strict indicators of the norm on the ECG, and any deviation is already a sign of violations in the work of the heart muscle. Pathology can only be excluded qualified specialist - cardiologist.

ECG analysis

The ECG records cardiac activity in twelve leads: 6 limb leads (aVR, aVL, aVF, I, II, III) and six chest leads (V1-V6). The P wave reflects the process of excitation and relaxation of the atria. Q, S waves show the phase of depolarization of the interventricular septum. R - wave denoting depolarization of the lower chambers of the heart, and T-wave - relaxation of the myocardium.

The QRS complex shows the time of ventricular depolarization. The time taken for the electrical pulse to travel from the SA node to the AV node is measured by the PR interval.

The computers built into most ECG devices are capable of measuring the time it takes for an electrical pulse to travel from the SA node to the ventricles. These measurements can help the doctor evaluate your heart rate and j, yfhe; bnm some types of heart block.

Computer programs can also interpret ECG results. And as artificial intelligence and programming improves, they are often more accurate. However, the interpretation of the ECG has a lot of subtleties, so the human factor is still an important part of the assessment.

There may be deviations from the norm in the electrocardiogram that do not affect the patient's quality of life. However, there are standards for normal cardiac performance that are accepted by the international cardiological community.

Based on these standards, a normal electrocardiogram in a healthy person looks like this:

• rR interval - 0.6-1.2 seconds;
• P-wave - 80 milliseconds;
• PR interval - 120-200 milliseconds;
• pR segment - 50-120 milliseconds;
• qRS complex - 80-100 milliseconds;
• J-wave: absent;
• sT segment - 80-120 milliseconds;
• T-wave - 160 milliseconds;
• sT interval - 320 milliseconds;
• qT interval is 420 milliseconds or less if the heart rate is sixty beats per minute.
• ind. juice. - 17.3.

Pathological ECG parameters

The ECG in normal and pathological conditions is significantly different. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully approach the decoding of the cardiogram of the heart.

QRS complex

Any abnormality in the electrical system of the heart causes the QRS complex to lengthen. The ventricles have a large muscle massthan the atria, therefore the QRS complex is significantly longer than the P wave. The duration, amplitude, and morphology of the QRS complex are useful in detecting cardiac arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, electrolyte abnormalities, and other painful conditions.

Q, R, T, P, U prongs

Abnormal Q-waves occur when an electrical signal travels through damaged heart muscle. They are considered markers of previous myocardial infarction.

R-wave depression is usually also associated with myocardial infarction, but it can also be caused by left bundle branch block, WPW syndrome, or hypertrophy of the lower chambers of the heart muscle.

T-wave inversion is always considered abnormal on the ECG tape. Such a wave can be a sign of coronary ischemia, Wellens syndrome, hypertrophy of the lower heart chambers, or a CNS disorder.

The P wave with increased amplitude may indicate hypokalemia and right atrial hypertrophy. Conversely, a P wave with reduced amplitude may indicate hyperkalemia.

U-waves are most often observed with hypokalemia, but can also be present with hypercalcemia, thyrotoxicosis, or taking epinephrine, class 1A and 3 antiarrhythmic drugs. congenital syndrome prolonged QT interval and with intracranial hemorrhage.

An inverted U-wave may indicate pathological changes in the myocardium. Another U-wave can sometimes be seen on ECGs in athletes.

QT, ST, PR intervals

The QTc prolongation induces premature action potentials during the late phases of depolarization. This increases the risk of developing ventricular arrhythmias or fatal ventricular fibrillation. Higher rates of QTc prolongation are observed in women, older patients, hypertensive patients and people of small stature.

The most common causes of prolonged QT interval are hypertension and certain medications. The calculation of the interval duration is carried out according to the Bazett formula. With this sign, the decoding of the electrocardiogram should be performed taking into account the medical history. Such a measure is necessary to exclude hereditary influence.

ST interval depression may indicate coronary artery ischemia, transmural myocardial infarction, or hypokalemia.

A prolonged PR interval (\u003e 200 ms) may indicate first-degree heart block. Elongation may be associated with hypokalemia, acute rheumatic fever, or Lyme disease. A short PR interval (less than 120 ms) may be associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or Laun-Ganong-Levine syndrome. Depression in the PR segment may indicate atrial injury or pericarditis.

Examples of heart rhythm description and ECG interpretation

Normal sinus rhythm

Sinus rhythm is any heart rhythm in which the excitation of the heart muscle starts from the sinus node. It is characterized by correctly oriented P waves on the ECG. By convention, the term "normal sinus rhythm" includes not only normal P waves, but all other ECG measurements.

ECG norm in adults:

1. heart rate from 55 to 90 beats per minute;
2. regular rhythm;
3. normal PR interval, QT and QRS complex;
4. The QRS complex is positive in almost all leads (I, II, AVF and V3-V6) and negative in aVR.

Sinus bradycardia

The heart rate is less than 55 with a sinus rhythm is commonly called bradycardia. ECG decoding in adults should take into account all parameters: sports, smoking, medical history. Because in some cases bradycardia is a normal variant, especially in athletes.

Pathological bradycardia occurs with weak sinus syndrome and is recorded on an ECG at any time of the day. This condition is accompanied by constant fainting, pallor and hyperhidrosis. In extreme cases, with malignant bradycardia, pacemakers are prescribed.

Signs of pathological bradycardia:

1. heart rate less than 55 beats per minute;
2. sinus rhythm;
3. p waves are vertical, sequential and normal in morphology and duration;
4. pR interval from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds;

Sinus tachycardia

A correct rhythm with a high heart rate (above 100 beats per minute) is commonly called sinus tachycardia. Note that normal heart rate varies with age, for example, infants may have a heart rate of 150 beats per minute, which is considered normal.

Advice! At home, with severe tachycardia, it can help coughing or pressing on eyeballs... These actions stimulate nervus vagus, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, causing the heart to beat slower.

Signs of pathological tachycardia:

1. Heart rate above one hundred beats per minute;
2. sinus rhythm;
3. p waves are vertical, consistent and normal in morphology;
4. the PR interval ranges between 0.12-0.20 seconds and decreases with increasing heart rate;
5. QRS complex less than 0.12 seconds.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by rapid and irregular atrial contraction. Most episodes are asymptomatic. Sometimes an attack is accompanied by the following symptoms: tachycardia, fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. The disease is associated with an increased risk of heart failure, dementia, and stroke.

Signs of atrial fibrillation:

1. Heart rate is constant or accelerated;
2. p waves are absent;
3. electrical activity is chaotic;
4. RR intervals are irregular;
5. QRS complex less than 0.12 seconds (in rare cases, the QRS complex lengthens).

Important! Despite the above explanations with the decoding of the data, only a qualified specialist - a cardiologist or general doctor... Decoding the electrocardiogram and differential diagnosis requires higher medical education.

How to "read" myocardial infarction on an ECG?

Students who begin the study of cardiology often have the question of how to learn how to read a cardiogram correctly and identify myocardial infarction (MI)? You can “read” a heart attack on a paper tape by several signs:

• elevation of the ST segment;
• pointed T wave;
• deep Q wave or lack thereof.

In the analysis of the results of electrocardiography, these indicators are firstly identified, and then dealt with with others. Sometimes the earliest sign of acute myocardial infarction is only a pointed T-wave. In practice, this is quite rare because it appears only 3-28 minutes after the onset of a heart attack.

Pointed T-waves should be distinguished from peak T-waves associated with hyperkalemia. In the first few hours, ST segments usually grow. Abnormal Q waves may appear within a few hours or after 24 hours.

Long-term ECG changes, such as continuous Q-waves (93% of cases) and peaked T-waves, are common. Stable ST elevation is rare, with the exception of a ventricular aneurysm.

There are widely researched clinical solutions, such as the TIMI scale, that help predict and diagnose myocardial infarction based on clinical data. For example, TIMI scores are often used to predict the condition of patients with symptoms of MI. Based on symptoms and ECG findings, clinicians can differentiate between unstable angina and MI in conditions emergency care.

Source: LechiSerdce.ru

What is cardiography

The essence of cardiography is the study of electric currents arising during the work of the heart muscle. The advantage of this method is its relative simplicity and availability. A cardiogram, strictly speaking, is usually called the result of measuring the electrical parameters of the heart, displayed in the form of a time graph.

The creation of electrocardiography in its modern form is associated with the name of the Dutch physiologist of the early 20th century Willem Einthoven, who developed the basic ECG methods and terminology used by doctors today.

Thanks to the cardiogram, it is possible to obtain the following information about the heart muscle:

• Heart rate,
• The physical condition of the heart,
• Arrhythmias
• The presence of acute or chronic myocardial damage,
• The presence of metabolic disorders in the heart muscle,
• The presence of violations of electrical conductivity,
• The position of the electrical axis of the heart.

Also, an electrocardiogram of the heart can be used to obtain information about certain vascular diseases not related to the heart.

An ECG is usually done in the following cases:

• Feeling an abnormal heartbeat;
• Shortness of breath, sudden weakness, fainting;
• Heartache;
• Heart murmurs;
• Deterioration of the condition of patients with cardiovascular diseases;
• Passage of medical examinations;
• Clinical examination of people over 45 years old;
• Inspection before surgery.

• Pregnancy;
• Endocrine pathologies;
• Nervous diseases;
• Changes in blood counts, especially with an increase in cholesterol;
• Over 40 years of age (once a year).

Where can a cardiogram be done?

If you suspect that your heart is not all right, then you can contact a therapist or cardiologist to give you a referral for an ECG. Also, on a paid basis, a cardiogram can be done in any clinic or hospital.

Procedure method

The ECG recording is usually done in a supine position. To remove the cardiogram, a stationary or portable device is used - an electrocardiograph. Stationary devices are installed in medical institutionswhile portable ones are used by emergency teams. The device receives information about the electrical potentials on the skin surface. For this, electrodes are applied to the chest and limbs.

These electrodes are called leads. There are usually 6 leads on the chest and limbs. Chest leads are designated V1-V6, the leads on the limbs are called main (I, II, III) and enhanced (aVL, aVR, aVF). All leads give a slightly different picture of oscillations, however, summing up the information from all the electrodes, you can find out the details of the work of the heart as a whole. Sometimes additional leads are used (D, A, I).

Usually, the cardiogram is displayed in the form of a graph on paper containing millimeter markings. Each lead-electrode has its own schedule. The standard belt speed is 5 cm / s, other speeds can be applied. The cardiogram displayed on the tape can also indicate the main parameters, norm indicators and the conclusion, generated automatically. Also, data can be recorded in memory and on electronic media.

After the procedure, the cardiogram is usually deciphered by an experienced cardiologist.

Holter monitoring

In addition to stationary devices, there are also portable devices for daily (Holter) monitoring. They are attached to the patient's body along with electrodes and record all information received over a long period of time (usually within a day). This method gives much more complete information about the processes in the heart compared to a conventional cardiogram. So, for example, when taking a cardiogram in stationary conditions the patient should be at rest. Meanwhile, some deviations from the norm can manifest themselves during physical exertion, in a dream, etc. Holter monitoring provides information about such phenomena.

Other types of procedures

There are several more methods of carrying out the procedure. For example, this is monitoring with physical activity. Abnormalities are usually more pronounced on the exercise ECG. The most common way to provide the body with the necessary physical activity is a treadmill. This method is useful in cases where pathologies can manifest themselves only in the case of increased work of the heart, for example, when coronary artery disease is suspected.

Phonocardiography records not only the electrical potentials of the heart, but also the sounds that arise in the heart. The procedure is prescribed when it is necessary to clarify the occurrence of heart murmurs. This method is often used when heart defects are suspected.

The patient must be calm during the procedure. A certain period of time must elapse between physical activity and the procedure. It is also not recommended to undergo the procedure after eating, drinking alcohol, drinks containing caffeine or cigarettes.

Reasons that can affect the ECG:

• Times of Day,
• Electromagnetic background,
• Physical exercise,
• Food intake,
• Position of the electrodes.

Types of teeth

First, you should talk a little about how the heart works. It has 4 chambers - two atria, and two ventricles (left and right). The electrical impulse, due to which it contracts, is formed, as a rule, in the upper part of the myocardium - in the sinus pacemaker - the nerve sinoatrial (sinus) node. The impulse spreads down the heart, first affecting the atria and forcing them to contract, then the atrioventricular ganglion and another ganglion - the His bundle - and reaches the ventricles. It is the ventricles that take the main load for pumping blood, especially the left one, which is involved in big circle blood circulation. This stage is called heart contraction or systole.

After the contraction of all parts of the heart, it is time for them to relax - diastole. Then the cycle repeats over and over again - this process is called the heartbeat.

The state of the heart, in which there are no changes in the propagation of impulses, is reflected on the ECG in the form of a straight horizontal line, called an isoline. The deviation of the graph from the isoline is called a tooth.

One heartbeat on the ECG contains six waves: P, Q, R, S, T, U. The waves can be directed both up and down. In the first case, they are considered positive, in the second - negative. The Q and S waves are always positive, and the R waves are always negative.

The teeth reflect the different phases of heart contraction. P reflects the moment of contraction and relaxation of the atria, R - excitation of the ventricles, T - relaxation of the ventricles. Also, special designations are used for segments (gaps between adjacent teeth) and intervals (sections of the graph that include segments and teeth) for example, PQ, QRST.

Correspondence of the stages of heart contraction and some elements of cardiograms:

• P - atrial contraction;
• PQ - horizontal line, the transition of the discharge from the atria through the atrioventricular node to the ventricles. The Q wave may be absent normally;
• QRS - ventricular complex, the element most often used in diagnostics;
• R - excitation of the ventricles;
• S - relaxation of the myocardium;
• T - relaxation of the ventricles;
• ST - horizontal line, myocardial recovery;
• U - may be absent in the norm. The reasons for the appearance of the tooth are not clearly understood, however, the tooth is valuable for the diagnosis of some diseases.

Below are some of the abnormalities on the ECG and their possible explanations. This information, of course, does not negate the fact that it is more expedient to entrust the decryption to a professional cardiologist, who better knows all the nuances of deviations from the norms and the pathologies associated with it.

Major abnormalities and diagnosis

Table of parameters of the cardiogram in adults

Norm of duration of cardiogram elements in children

The rates shown in the table may also depend on age.

Rhythm of contractions

Violation of the rhythm of contractions is called arrhythmia. The irregularity of the rhythm during arrhythmia is measured as a percentage. An irregular rhythm is indicated by a deviation of the distance between similar teeth by more than 10%. Sinus arrhythmia, that is, arrhythmia combined with sinus rhythm, may be a normal variant for adolescents and young people, but in most cases it indicates the onset of a pathological process.

A type of arrhythmia is extrasystole. He speaks her in the case when extraordinary contractions are observed. Single extrasystoles (no more than 200 per day with Holter monitoring) can also be observed in healthy people... Frequent extrasystoles that appear on the cardiogram in the amount of several pieces may indicate ischemia, myocarditis, heart defects.

Heart rate

This parameter is the most simple and straightforward. It determines the number of contractions in one minute. The number of contractions can be above normal (tachycardia) or below normal (bradycardia). The heart rate in adults can range from 60 to 80 beats. However, the norm in this case is a relative concept, therefore bradycardia and tachycardia can not always be evidence of pathology. Bradycardia can occur during sleep or in trained people, and tachycardia can occur during stress, after exercise, or at elevated temperatures.

Heart rate norms for children of different ages

Types of heart rate

There are several types of heart rhythms, depending on where the nerve impulse begins to propagate, leading to the heartbeat:

• Sinus,
• Atrial,
• Atrioventricular,
• Ventricular.

Normally, the rhythm is always sinus. At the same time, sinus rhythm can be combined with both a heart rate above the norm and a heart rate below the norm. All other types of rhythms are indicative of problems with the heart muscle.

Atrial rhythm

Atrial rhythm also often appears on the cardiogram. Is the atrial rhythm normal or is it a type of pathology? In most cases, the atrial rhythm on the ECG is not normal. However, this is a relatively mild degree of heart rhythm disturbance. It occurs in case of depression or disruption of the sinus node. Possible causes are ischemia, hypertension, sick sinus syndrome, endocrine disorders. However, occasional episodes of atrial contractions can also occur in healthy people. This type of rhythm can take on both the character of bradycardia and the character of tachycardia.

Atrioventricular rhythm

Rhythm originating from the atrioventricular node. With atrioventricular rhythm, the pulse rate usually drops to less than 60 beats per minute. Reasons - weakness of the sinus node, atrioventricular block, taking certain medications. The atrioventricular rhythm, combined with tachycardia, can occur during operations on the heart, rheumatism, heart attack.

Ventricular rhythm

With a ventricular rhythm, contractile impulses propagate from the ventricles. The contraction rate drops below 40 beats per minute. The most severe form of rhythm disturbance. Occurs when acute heart attack, heart defects, cardiosclerosis, cardiac circulatory failure, in the pre-agonal state.

Electrical axis of the heart

Another important parameter is the electrical axis of the heart. It is measured in degrees and reflects the direction of propagation of electrical impulses. Normally, it should be slightly inclined to the vertical and be 30-69º. At an angle of 0-30º, the axis is horizontal, at an angle of 70-90º, it is vertical. A deviation of the axis in one direction or another may indicate any disease, for example, hypertension or intracardiac blockages.

What do the conclusions on the cardiograms mean?

Consider some of the terms that may contain ECG decoding. They do not always indicate serious pathologies, however, in any case, they require a visit to a doctor for advice, and sometimes additional examinations.

Atrioventricular block

It is reflected in the graph as an increase in the duration of the P-Q interval. 1 degree of the disease is reflected in the form of a simple lengthening of the interval. Grade 2 is accompanied by a deviation of the QRS parameters (loss of this complex). At grade 3, there is no connection between the P and the ventricular complex, which means that the ventricles and atria each work in their own rhythm. The syndrome in stages 1 and 2 is not life-threatening, but requires treatment, since it can go into an extremely dangerous stage 3, in which the risk of cardiac arrest is high.

Ectopic rhythm

Any non-sinus heart rate. It may indicate the presence of blockages, coronary heart disease, or be a variant of the norm. It can also appear as a result of an overdose of glycosides, neurocirculatory dystonia, hypertension.

Sinus bradycardia or tachycardia

Sinus rhythm on the ECG, the frequency of which is below (bradycardia) or above (tachycardia) the normal range. It can be both a variant of the norm and be a symptom of some pathologies. However, in the latter case, this symptom most likely will not be the only one indicated in the decoding of the cardiogram.

Nonspecific ST-T changes

What it is? This entry suggests that the reasons for the change in interval are unclear and more research is needed. May indicate a violation metabolic processes in the body, for example, a change in the balance of potassium, magnesium, sodium ions or endocrine disorders.

Disorders associated with intraventricular conduction

As a rule, they are associated with a violation of conduction within the nerve bundle of His. May affect the trunk of the bundle or its legs. It can lead to a delay in the contraction of one of the ventricles. Direct therapy of blockages of the His bundle is not carried out, only the disease that caused them is treated.

Incomplete right bundle branch block (NBBBB)

A common violation of ventricular conduction. In most cases, however, it does not lead to the development of pathologies and is not their consequence. If the patient has no problems with cardiovascular system, then this symptom does not require treatment.

Complete right bundle branch block (PBBBB)

This violation is more serious than incomplete blockade. May indicate myocardial damage. Usually occurs in older and elderly people, rarely in children and adolescents. Possible Symptoms - shortness of breath, dizziness, general weakness and fatigue.

Anterior branch block of the left bundle branch block (BPVLNPG)

It occurs in patients with hypertension who have had a heart attack. It may also indicate cardiomyopathies, cardiosclerosis, atrial septal defect, mitral valve insufficiency. Does not have characteristic symptoms... It is observed mainly in the elderly (over 55 years old).

Posterior branch block of the left bundle branch block (B3VLNPG)

As a separate symptom, it is rare, as a rule, it is combined with a blockade of the right bundle branch. May indicate a heart attack, cardiosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, calcification of the conducting system. The blockade is indicated by a deviation in the electrical axis of the heart to the right.

Metabolic changes

Reflect nutritional disorders of the heart muscle. First of all, it concerns the balance of potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium. The syndrome is not an independent disease, but indicates other pathologies. It can be observed with ischemia, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, rheumatism, cardiosclerosis.

Low voltage ECG

Electrodes installed on the patient's body capture currents of a certain voltage. If the voltage parameters are below normal, then they speak of low voltage. This indicates insufficient external electrical activity of the heart and may be a consequence of pericarditis or a number of other diseases.

Paroxysmal tachycardia

A rare condition that differs from the usual (sinus) tachycardia, first of all, in that it has a very high heart rate - more than 130 beats / s. In addition, the basis of paroxysmal tachycardia is the incorrect circulation of the electrical impulse in the heart.

Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is based on atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Arrhythmia caused by atrial fibrillation can also occur in the absence of heart pathologies, for example, with diabetes, intoxication, and also with tobacco smoking. Atrial flutter can be characteristic of cardiosclerosis, some types of coronary artery disease, inflammatory processes myocardium.

Sinoatrial blockade

Difficulty leaving the impulse from the sinus (sinoatrial) node. This syndrome is a type of sick sinus syndrome. It is rare, mainly in the elderly. Possible causes are rheumatism, cardiosclerosis, calcification, severe hypertension. May lead to severe bradycardia, fainting, seizures, and breathing problems.

Hypertrophic conditions of the myocardium

Indicate overload of certain parts of the heart. The body senses this situation and reacts to it by thickening muscle walls the corresponding department. In some cases, the causes of the condition can be hereditary.

Myocardial hypertrophy

Generalized myocardial hypertrophy is a defensive reaction indicating excessive stress on the heart. May lead to arrhythmias or heart failure. Sometimes it is a consequence of a previous heart attack. A type of disease is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - hereditary disease, leading to improper placement of heart fibers and carrying the risk of sudden cardiac arrest.

Left ventricular hypertrophy

The most common symptom that does not always indicate severe heart pathologies. It can be characteristic of arterial hypertension, obesity, some heart defects. Sometimes it is observed in trained people, people engaged in hard physical labor.

Right ventricular hypertrophy

A rarer, but at the same time, much more dangerous sign than left ventricular hypertrophy. Indicates a lack of pulmonary circulation, severe pulmonary diseases, valvular defects or severe heart defects (tetrad of Fallot, ventricular septal defect).

Left atrial hypertrophy

It is reflected as a change in the P wave on the cardiogram. With this symptom, the tooth has a double top. Indicates mitral or aortic stenosis, hypertension, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy. Leads to chest pains, shortness of breath, increased fatigue, arrhythmias, fainting.

Right atrial hypertrophy

It is less common than left atrial hypertrophy. It can have many reasons - pulmonary pathologies, chronic bronchitis, arterial embolism, tricuspid valve defects. Sometimes observed during pregnancy. May lead to circulatory disorders, edema, shortness of breath.

Normocardia

Normocardia or normosystole refers to a normal heart rate. However, the presence of normosystole in itself is not evidence that the ECG is normal and everything is in order with the heart, since it may not exclude other pathologies, for example, arrhythmias, conduction disorders, etc.

Nonspecific T wave changes

This symptom is typical for about 1% of people. A similar conclusion is made in the event that it cannot be unambiguously associated with any other disease. Thus, with nonspecific changes in the T wave, additional research is needed. The symptom can be characteristic of hypertension, ischemia, anemia and some other diseases, and it can also occur in healthy people.

Tachysystole

Also often called tachycardia. This is the general name for a number of syndromes in which there is an increased frequency of contractions of various parts of the heart. There are ventricular, atrial, supraventricular tachysystole. Such types of arrhythmias as paroxysmal tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter are also referred to as tachysystoles. In most cases, tachysystoles are dangerous symptom and require serious treatment.

Heart ST depression

ST segment depression is common with high frequency tachycardias. It often indicates a lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscle and may be characteristic of coronary atherosclerosis. At the same time, the appearance of depression is also noted in healthy people.

Borderline ECG

This conclusion often frightens some patients who found it on their cardiograms and are inclined to think that "borderline" means almost "deathbed." In fact, such a conclusion is never given by a doctor, but is generated by a program that analyzes ECG parameters on an automatic basis. Its meaning is that a number of parameters go beyond the normal range, but it is impossible to conclude unequivocally that there is any pathology. Thus, the cardiogram is on the border between normal and pathological. Therefore, upon receipt of such an opinion, a doctor's consultation is required, and, perhaps, everything is not so bad.

Pathological ECG

What it is? This is a cardiogram on which some serious deviations from the norm were unambiguously detected. These can be arrhythmias, conduction or nutritional disorders of the heart muscle. Pathological changes require immediate consultation with a cardiologist, who must indicate a treatment strategy.

Ischemic ECG changes

Ischemic disease is caused by impaired blood circulation in the coronary vessels of the heart and can lead to serious consequences such as myocardial infarction. Therefore, identifying ischemic signs the ECG is a very important task. Early ischemia can be diagnosed by T-wave changes (rising or falling). At a later stage, changes in the ST segment are observed, and at an acute stage, changes in the Q wave.

ECG interpretation in children

In most cases, decoding a cardiogram in children is not difficult. But the parameters of the norm and the nature of the violations may differ in comparison with those in adults. So, children normally have a much more frequent heartbeat. In addition, the sizes of teeth, intervals and segments differ slightly.