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What Are the Common Causes of an Abnormal ECG?

M. DePietro
M. DePietro

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test done to record the electrical activity of the heart. It is a non-invasive procedure that can be done quickly. An abnormal ECG may be caused by a variety of factors, including an arrhythmia, or a faster or slower than normal heartbeat. Other causes may include a defect in the heart muscle, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

Within the heart, an electrical signal travels from the upper chamber to the lower chamber, making the heart contract, or beat. Several conditions may change the electrical signal in the heart. An electrocardiogram is one of the first steps to determine problems with the heart. ECG results are available immediately after the procedure, which may help the doctor make a quick diagnosis and begin treatment.

A current, impending, or past heart attack may cause an abnormal ECG.
A current, impending, or past heart attack may cause an abnormal ECG.

Additional reasons for an abnormal ECG include a current, impending, or past heart attack. Myocardits, which is inflammation of the heart, can also cause ECG abnormalities. Enlargement of the heart and heart valve disease may also lead to abnormal results.

Chemical imbalances in the blood may also cause an ECG to be abnormal. Chemicals in the blood, such as potassium and sodium, are known as electrolytes. The electrolytes are needed for proper heart function. If the levels of certain electrolytes change and become either abnormally high or abnormally low, the heart’s electrical activity may be affected. These changes in electrical activity can lead to an abnormal ECG.

An abnormal ECG may be the result of a congenital defect in the heart.
An abnormal ECG may be the result of a congenital defect in the heart.

An abnormal electrocardiogram may also be caused by some type of congenital defect in the heart. This type of heart problem is present from birth. Several heart defects may result in an abnormal ECG, such as narrowed valves, holes in the heart, and right ventricular hypertrophy. In some cases, symptoms may not be present, and a person is not aware of the situation until he has an abnormal electrocardiogram.

An electrocardiogram can help diagnose heart abnormalities.
An electrocardiogram can help diagnose heart abnormalities.

It is important to understand that although an ECG can detect an abnormal heart rhythm, it may not identify the cause. For instance, an ECG may show tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, but there are many causes of this abnormal rhythm. After an abnormal ECG, additional tests may be needed determine the cause of the abnormality. Other tests, such as an echocardiogram, stress test, blood work, or a cardiac catheterization, may be needed to determine the cause of an abnormal electrocardiogram.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ECG?

Medical professionals can analyze ECG printouts to diagnose a variety of conditions.
Medical professionals can analyze ECG printouts to diagnose a variety of conditions.

An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a medical procedure that captures the electrical signals produced by the heart. It is used to find irregularities in the structure and rhythm of the heart, including heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. This process involves placing electrodes on the chest and limbs of a patient in a hospital or doctor's office. The electrical impulses from the heart are detected by the electrodes, which then display them as a graph on a computer screen.

What are the common causes of an abnormal ECG?

Results from an abnormal ECG may point to a number of different cardiac issues, such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure. Arrhythmias can be triggered by factors such as stress, drugs, and underlying health issues. Heart attacks occur when the coronary arteries become blocked, leading to a shortage of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscles. Lastly, heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood to fulfill the body's needs.

What other tests can diagnose an abnormal ECG?

Based on the results of the ECG, the doctor may prescribe further tests to determine the underlying reason for an irregular ECG. An echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to view the heart, and a stress test, which measures the heart's response to effort, are two of these tests. Blood tests may also be conducted to identify infection and to monitor electrolyte and other drug levels in the blood.

Are there any lifestyle changes that can help prevent an abnormal ECG?

Several lifestyle adjustments may assist in reducing the chances of an abnormal ECG. Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and drinking alcohol in moderation are all helpful. Additionally, lowering stress and getting enough sleep are good for heart health. Consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and other fatty fish, and taking a daily multivitamin is also helpful.

What symptoms should prompt a person to get an ECG?

If a person feels symptoms such as chest discomfort, breathlessness, lightheadedness, or an irregular heartbeat, they should have an ECG done. Also, if a person has a family history of a heart ailment or is taking drugs that may affect the heart, an ECG may be required for the diagnosis of a heart issue. For those who are at risk of developing a cardiac problem owing to age, lifestyle, or other reasons, an ECG may also be recommended as a preventative strategy.

Discussion Comments

anon1002861

I had an EKG around four years ago, but now my doctor suspects something may be wrong. Do I need to get another one? Could the health of my heart change that drastically in four years?

Ceptorbi

@Nefertini - ECGs are painless tests and there are no known side effects associated with having one aside from an occasional reaction to the sticky electrode patches used to attach the wires of the ECG machine to your skin. These allergic reactions, though, are typically mild skin rashes that soon go away. The ECG doesn't send any electricity into your body. It just measures your heart's electrical activity and is a very safe test.

Nefertini

@Ceptorbi, I agree that ECGs are an important first step in diagnosing and treating heart disease. However, I wonder if there are any possible side effects that could occur when having one of these tests.

Ceptorbi

Most people I know who had an abnormal ECG had to have a stress test soon afterward. Surgery may also result since abnormalities in these tests can indicate blood vessel blockages or other vascular or coronary problems that need treatment. Your heart is a vital organ, so if your doctor wants you to have an ECG get it promptly so any problems can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.

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    • A current, impending, or past heart attack may cause an abnormal ECG.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A current, impending, or past heart attack may cause an abnormal ECG.
    • An abnormal ECG may be the result of a congenital defect in the heart.
      By: Olexandr
      An abnormal ECG may be the result of a congenital defect in the heart.
    • An electrocardiogram can help diagnose heart abnormalities.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      An electrocardiogram can help diagnose heart abnormalities.
    • Medical professionals can analyze ECG printouts to diagnose a variety of conditions.
      By: olegpchelov
      Medical professionals can analyze ECG printouts to diagnose a variety of conditions.