As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that an ECG, also known as an electrocardiogram, is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to diagnose various heart conditions, including:
1. Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): An ECG can show changes in the heart's electrical activity that indicate tissue damage due to a lack of oxygen, which is a common symptom of a heart attack.
2. Arrhythmias: These are irregular heartbeats, and an ECG can identify the type and severity of the arrhythmia.
3. Heart Block: This is a condition where the electrical impulses that coordinate heartbeats are delayed or blocked.
4. Hypertrophy: An ECG can show signs of an enlarged heart muscle, which is known as hypertrophy.
5. Ischemia: This refers to a reduced blood supply to the heart, which can be due to coronary artery disease.
6. Long QT Syndrome: A genetic condition that can cause a specific pattern on an ECG.
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Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart muscle, which can be detected through changes in the ECG.
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Pericarditis: Inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart, which can also be indicated by an ECG.
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Valvular Heart Disease: Abnormalities in the heart's valves can sometimes be inferred from an ECG.
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Conduction Disorders: Problems with the electrical pathways in the heart can be identified through an ECG.
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