Electrocardiography (ECG) in Dubai
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a quick test to check the heartbeat. It is part of Heart checkup . It records the electrical signals in the heart. Test results can help diagnose heart attacks and irregular heartbeats, called arrhythmias.
ECG doesn’t take long and doesn’t cause pain, but an electrocardiogram can show if you’ve had a heart attack, heart failure or heart damage. It can also diagnose if your heart rhythm isn’t normal or how well your pacemaker is working. MRI Dubai clinic has advanced ECG machine.
How Does ECG Work?
An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a diagnostic tool used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It helps identify irregular heartbeats and other cardiac issues.
Note that the heart is beating in a regular sinus rhythm between 60 – 100 beats per minute (specifically 82 bpm). All the important intervals on this recording are within normal ranges.
Types of ECG
There are three kinds of ECG as below :
- Standard ECG
- Holter ECG
- Stress ECG
MRI Dubai healthcare offers all advanced ECGs monitoring. The availability of these options enhances diagnostic accuracy.
Normal – Standard ECG
A standard ECG records the heart’s electrical activity. It can help detect many conditions, such as arrhythmias and heart attacks.
Standard ECG tests are often the first step in a comprehensive heart check-up. It is a quick and non-invasive way to assess heart function.
How standard ECG works ?
The procedure is simple. In standard electrocardiography, 12 electrodes are used (6 electrodes for recording chest leads and 6 electrodes for recording limb leads). Electrodes are attached to the skin, which allows the detection of electrical signals.
The limb leads are placed on the arms and legs, while the chest leads are placed on the chest wall.
We proceed as follows to install limb electrodes:
Limb Leads:
- RA (Right Arm): place on the right arm, just below the shoulder.
- LA (Left Arm): on the left arm, just below the shoulder.
- RL (Right Leg): on the right leg, below the knee.
- LL (Left Leg): on the left leg, below the knee.
Chest Leads:
- V1: Fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border.
- V2: Fourth intercostal space at the left sternal border.
- V3: Midway between V2 and V4.
- V4: Fifth intercostal space at the midclavicular line.
- V5: Anterior axillary line at the same level as V4.
- V6: Midaxillary line at the same level as V4 and V5.
These signals create waves on an ECG machine, showing the heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. An abnormal pattern can indicate a problem. The ECG test is quick, usually completed in about 10 minutes.
It is crucial for individuals with risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes. Regular ECGs can monitor heart health over time.
• Holter ECG
Holter is the best tool for diagnosing arrhythmias in people who occasionally experience a series of symptoms.
Holter monitoring is a portable device that is attached to the patient’s body and records the patient’s heart rhythm throughout the day ( usually 24 hours ). Patients continue their daily activities and, as soon as symptoms begin, press a button on the device to record the heart’s electrical activity during an attack.
Having a patient’s ECG when symptoms occur will greatly help in diagnosing and treating a person’s heart disease.
While Holter heart monitoring is designed to record the long-term state of the heart’s rhythm throughout the day, ECG is usually used to check the heart’s condition in the moment and under specific conditions. Holter is considered a more accurate tool for detecting occasional arrhythmias because it continuously records changes during the patient’s daily activities.
Stress test (stress ECG)
Some heart problems only appear during physical activity. In this test, the patient is monitored with an ECG while exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. This test is useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease.
Preparation for ECG test in Dubai
Before connecting the electrodes, the patient must shave his chest hair. The electrode connection site is disinfected with alcohol and dried, and sandpaper or exfoliation paper is applied to the patient’s skin. These measures are taken to better adhere the electrodes and better record the electrical activity of the heart.
After performing a ECG, interpreting the results is very important so that appropriate treatments can be selected for the patient. If ECG result is abnormal, other investigations such as cardiac calcium score test , Echocardiogram or cardiac MRI shall be done.
List of common heart conditions detected by ECG
- Arrhythmias
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Cardiomyopathy
- Pericarditis
The ECG Cost in Dubai
The cost of an ECG test in Dubai typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 700, but can vary based on factors like the type of ECG (standard vs. Holter), and any additional services. We also offer packages that include ECGs along with Cardiologist consultations or other tests.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Standard ECG: Prices for a standard ECG generally range from AED 500 to AED 700.
- Holter Monitoring: Holter monitoring, which involves continuous ECG monitoring for 24 hours or more, is typically more expensive than a standard ECG.
- Packages: We also offer heart check-up packages that include ECGs, Cardiologists consultations, and ECHO Cardiography with prices ranging from AED 1,400 to AED 2,000.
Overall, the ECG in Dubai is a pivotal tool in cardiac assessments, providing quick and vital information about heart health. Contact us for more details on the price of ECG in Dubai.