An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to view the heart muscle and valves to assess heart function and detect any problems identified by a cardiologist, such as issues with heart valves or early congenital heart defects. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart through electrode patches to check for early signs of heart disease by measuring intervals to determine if parts of the heart are overworked. A Holter monitor is a portable device that produces an electrocardiogram over 24 to 48 hours to establish if the heart rate is abnormal or if medication is working properly.

1. Chapter 5
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Jessica Russell

2. Echocardiogram
What It Shows
• A test that uses an ultrasound to view the heart muscle and heart valves
• It is used to asses the heart function if there is a problem established by
the cardiologist

3. Purpose of ECHO
• Detect problems with the heart valves
• Diagnose early congenital heart defects in unborn babies
• To diagnose signs of shortness of breath and chest pain

4. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Records the electric activity of your heart through small electrode patches
placed on your chest, arms, and legs
• The recording of the electrocardiography
• Used to check for signs of early heart disease

5. EKG Diagnostics
• Measure the intervals of the EKG to determine how long the electrical
wave passes through the heart
– Determine of it is normal or slow, fast or irregular
– Then this will help the cardiologist determine if a part is being overworked or
too large
• This will help detect heart failures, irregular heart beats or arrhythmia, or
heart attacks

6. Holter Monitor
• A type of medical equipment used to produce an electrocardiogram
• Portable device to monitor the heart activity for 24 to 48 hours or longer
• These are also called ambulatory electrocardiograms

7. Holter Monitor Purpose
• Used to establish if your heart rate is abnormal, fast or slow
• Also used to see if the medication prescribed is currently working
• This will help your doctor decide if you need a pacemaker or a
cardioversion procedure