Abnormal EKG

Whenever we complain about chest pain, the first thing our doctor asks us to undergo, is an EKG test. EKG is one of the heart rate monitors that measures and records the detailed electrical activity of the human heart and the heart rate. The detailed representation of activities of the heart helps the doctor diagnose heart conditions. The human heart normally beats 60 to 80 times per minute. The number of beats may vary according to each person's physical activity levels. For example, when you are running, your heartbeat increases and when you are at rest the heartbeat slows down. But there are lot of other reasons for irregular heartbeats to occur. Abnormal EKG is the result of irregular heartbeats, that signify minor to severe heart disease. In case of heart attacks, heart infection, or any other cardiac problem, the heartbeats become irregular.

Causes

EKG essentially means heartbeats. So, healthy people with healthy heart generally have normal heartbeats, that is normal EKG. Various heart problems cause unnatural change in the heartbeats. Hence, people with heart ailments tend to show an abnormal EKG. Below given are some of the causes of the condition:

Heart Atack
When some heart muscles are blocked and are deprived proper blood flow, it triggers heart attack. The heart gets oxygen through blood, so, when some heart muscles are deprived of blood, they get damaged. Coronary artery diseases or blood clots can cause blockage in heart. This blockage results in increased heart rate and disturbed EKG.

Angina
Angina refers to the condition, where the blockage in the heart is temporary. The temporary angina causes temporary abnormality of EKG. There are various reasons for angina to occur. A person gets diagnosed with the normal EKG once the abnormal condition is eliminated.

Electrical Problems in Heart
All the nerve centers in the heart are responsible for smooth blood circulation to the heart and other organs. These nerves need oxygen to survive and function well. The malfunction in these nerves occur, when they are deprived of oxygen due to some blockage. This makes them beat slowly or rapidly, and thus resulting in an abnormal EKG.

Ventricular Tachycardia
This condition occurs when the two ventricles of the heartbeat very rapidly. This results in pumping very less or no blood at all, as there is no time between the two contractions to refill the ventricles with blood. Sometimes, this condition is accompanied with irregular heartbeats, known as, ventricular fibrillation.

Besides these, some drugs, myocardial diseases, heart valve diseases, swelling of the heart, and excessive use of stimulants, such as, caffeine or nicotine can cause irregular heartbeats, that results in abnormal EKG. An abnormality in EKG indicates, that your heart muscles are deprived of proper blood supply. It can also be a sign of arrhythmia, heart failure, or other cardiac conditions. EKG test may also signify that your heartbeat is originating in the wrong part of the heart.

If the cause is detected in the early stage, it is possible to treat the condition. It is advisable to consult the doctor as soon as you suspect any heart problem. To prevent this condition of the heart, it is essential to follow a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and excessive stress, as it can cause irregular heartbeats. Healthy diet coupled with regular exercise is the key to healthy heart.