Word parts
What it means
A painless test in which sticky pads (electrodes) on the chest, arms and legs pick up the electrical signals of the heart. The tracing shows the heart rate and rhythm and the waves named P, QRS and T. A standard 12-lead ECG looks at the heart from 12 angles and can show a myocardial infarctionmy-oh-KAR-dee-ul in-FARK-shunDeath of part of the heart muscle because its blood supply is blocked; a heart attack.my/o musclecardi/o heart-al having to do withinfarct area of dead tissueFull entry , an arrhythmiauh-RITH-mee-uhA heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.a- withoutrhythm regular beat-ia conditionFull entry or the effects of potassiumpuh-TAS-ee-umA mineral in the blood that nerves and muscles, including the heart, need in order to work.Full entry levels.
For the nurse
Ask the client to lie still and breathe normally; place the electrodes on clean, dry skin. A 12-lead ECG is done quickly, usually within 10 minutes of arrival, for chest pain. Report new rhythm changes and new chest pain right away.
In a chart
"12-lead ECG obtained at 0912 for chest pain; given to provider for review."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ECG, EKG (from the German spelling) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | electrocardiograma |
| Also written | electrocardiograms, electrocardiography, 12-lead electrocardiogram, 12-lead ECG, ECG, EKG |
Related terms
heart rate
How many times the heart beats per minute.
arrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
cardi/o
A word part that means heart.
dysrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.