Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

Understanding the Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): A Tool in Heart Health

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. This simple yet powerful tool has played a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions for over a century. The Kopec Law Firm provides this article to help you understand what an ECG is and how it relates to medical malpractice.

History

The history of the ECG dates back to the late 19th century. In 1887, Augustus D. Waller, a British physiologist, recorded the first human electrocardiogram using a capillary electrometer. However, it was Willem Einthoven, a Dutch physician, who made significant advancements in ECG technology. Einthoven then invented the string galvanometer, a more sensitive instrument that allowed for clearer recordings of the heart’s electrical signals. In 1924, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his contributions to electrocardiography.  

When is an ECG Necessary?

A healthcare provider generally orders an ECG to evaluate a patient’s heart health. Some common symptoms or medical conditions that may warrant an ECG include:  

• Chest pain or discomfort  
• Palpitations (irregular heartbeat)  
• Shortness of breath  
• Dizziness or fainting  
• Fatigue  
• Swelling in the legs or ankles  
• Family history of heart disease  

Who Administers and Interprets?

A variety of doctors and other healthcare providers can administer and interpret an ECG, including:

• Cardiologists
• Family physicians
• Nurse practitioners  
• Physician assistants  
• Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)  

However, the interpretation of ECG results is best left to physicians with specialized training in cardiology, as they have the expertise to recognize subtle abnormalities and make accurate diagnoses.

How is an ECG Administered?

Performing an ECG is a relatively simple procedure. The patient typically lies down on an examination table, and small, sticky patches called electrodes are attached to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes detect the heart’s electrical signals, which are then amplified and displayed on a monitor or printed on paper. The entire process generally takes only a few minutes.  

What Can an ECG Show?

An ECG can provide valuable information about the heart’s:

• Rhythm: It can reveal abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm, such as arrhythmias, which can cause irregular heartbeats.  
• Rate: It can measure the heart rate and identify whether it is too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia).  
• Conduction: It can assess how electrical signals travel through the heart and identify any blockages or delays.  
• Heart muscle: It can detect signs of heart muscle damage, such as that caused by a heart attack.  

What an ECG Cannot Show

While an ECG is a powerful diagnostic tool, it has limitations. It cannot directly visualize the heart’s structure or blood flow. To assess these aspects, other tests, such as echocardiograms or cardiac catheterization, may be necessary.  

ECG and Medical Malpractice

An ECG can be a critical piece of evidence in a lawsuit. If a healthcare provider fails to order an ECG when it is indicated, misinterprets the results, or fails to act on abnormal findings, it could lead to serious consequences for the patient, including heart attack, stroke, or even death.  

In a medical malpractice lawsuit, the plaintiff (the injured patient) must prove that the healthcare provider breached the standard of care, meaning they failed to provide the level of care that a reasonably prudent healthcare provider would have provided under similar circumstances. This may involve showing that the provider failed to order an ECG when it was necessary, failed to interpret the ECG correctly, or failed to follow up on abnormal findings.  

If you have an injury from a healthcare provider’s negligence in administering or interpreting an ECG, it is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. We can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and also help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Visit our free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.