Heat rash is most common in babies, but it may affect adults in hot, humid climates. It can develop when the sweat ducts become blocked and swell and often leads to discomfort and itching. Each lead of the 12-lead EKG is "looking" at a specific part of the heart, so variations in a lead may indicate a problem with the part of the heart associated with a particular lead.Heat rash ( prickly heat) is a red or pink rash usually found on body areas covered by clothing. The tracing for each lead of a 12-lead EKG will look different, but will have the same basic components as described above. Variations in size and length of the different parts of the tracing may be significant. When the doctor views an EKG, he/she studies the size and length of each part of the EKG. The next upward curve is called the "T wave." The T wave indicates the resting period of the ventricles. The next short upward segment is called the "ST segment." The ST segment indicates the amount of time from the end of the contraction of the ventricles to the beginning of the rest period before the ventricles begin to contract for the next beat. This next part is called the "QRS complex." This part indicates that the ventricles (the two lower chambers of the heart) are contracting to pump out blood. The next part of the tracing is a short downward section connected to a tall upward section. The first short upward notch of the EKG tracing is called the "P wave." The P wave indicates that the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) are contracting to pump out blood. Once the tracing is completed, the technician will disconnect the leads and remove the skin electrodes.Īlmost everyone knows what a basic EKG tracing looks like.It will take only a short time for the tracing to be completed. Once the leads are attached, the technician may key in identifying information about the patient into the machine's computer.The lead wires will be attached to the skin electrodes.Electrodes will be attached to patient’s chest, arms, and legs.If patient’s chest, arms, or legs are very hairy, the technician may shave small patches of hair, as needed, so that the electrodes will stick closely to the skin.It will be important for patients to lie still and not talk during the procedure, so as not to interfere with the tracing Patients will lie flat on a table or bed for the procedure.The technician will ensure privacy by covering patient with a sheet or gown and exposing only the necessary skin Patients will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up.Patients will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure.Procedures may vary depending on condition and the doctor’s practices. Based upon the patient’s medical condition, the doctor may request other specific preparationĪn EKG may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of a hospital stay.The area(s) where the electrodes are to be placed may be shaved.Notify the doctor if patient has a pacemaker.Notify the doctor of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements.Generally, fasting is not required before the test.The doctor or the technician will explain the procedure and offer the opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure.The test, which takes approximately 10 minutes, allows the doctor to see patients’ “baseline EKG” and determine if there is any abnormal conduction through the heart while at rest. Patients will be asked to lie quietly while the EKG is recording. The electrodes are connected to a machine that monitors and records the heart’s electrical activity from 12 different views. Areas on arms, legs, and chest where the electrodes will be placed are cleaned and may be shaved to provide a good contact with the skin. Small, sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on the chest, wrists and ankles. If patients are wearing stockings, they should take them off. Men are usually bare-chested during the test. Prior to having an EKG, patients should avoid putting on skin cream or oil since it tends to interfere with obtaining a good EKG recording. Patients may be asked to remove all jewelry from the neck and wrists.
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