Electrocardiogram(ECG or EKG) is a tracing of the electrical activity of a patient's heart. The electric current is produced by the contraction of the heart muscle and is recorded onto paper for the physician's review. The test generally lasts less than one minute and involves electrodes being placed on the patient's chest, arms, and legs.
Rhythm Strip is similar to an electrocardiogram, except the physician may look at one particular electric current of the heart instead of all of it at the same time. The length of the procedure will vary, depending on what the physician needs and is looking for.
Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This test is done in the office and results are immediate. Warmed gel is placed on the patient's chest, and a special probe is used to create sound waves that produce a moving image of the patient's beating heart on the screen. From this, a physician can determine the thickness, size, and function of the heart, as well as the structure of the four heart valves
There are times when the physician feels that it is necessary to sedate your child in order to get an accurate Echocardiogram. This is usually due to the age of your child and how cooperative they are. It is important to get an accurate study completed to make a correct diagnosis of your child's condition.
Holter Monitor is used to record a patient's continuous heart rhythm. The test usually lasts for 24 hours, while the patient continues their normal routine. The test is similar to an electrocardiogram except that it is used to record the ECG over longer periods of time. The physician may order the test for recurring symptoms such as chest pain, fainting spells, dizziness, or a variety of other symptoms.
Oximetry is a way of determining the oxygen saturation of the blood. This is done by using a clip or band-aid type device on the patient's fingers or toes that obtains the necessary measurement for the physician without pain.
Event monitors are small devices that are used by patients over a longer period(weeks to months, typically one month).
The monitor is always on but will only store the patient’s rhythm when the patient or caregiver pushes the button. Most monitors will save the rhythm for several seconds of rhythm before the button is even pushed. The rhythm is also saved for a period after the button is pushed.
Once a recording (sometimes more than one) has been made, it can be transmitted over the phone back to your child’s heart center.
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