Cardiology

ECG

ECG (Electrocardiogram) is a non-invasive medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It involves placing electrodes on the skin of the chest, arms, and legs, which detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart as it beats. These impulses are recorded and displayed as waves on a graph, providing valuable information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and electrical activity. ECG is used to diagnose various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart attacks, and abnormalities in the structure of the heart. It is a fundamental tool in cardiology for evaluating heart health, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring cardiac function during medical procedures.

Holter Monitoring

A Holter monitor, also known as ambulatory electrocardiography, is a portable device used to continuously monitor and record the electrical activity of the heart for 24 to 72 hours or longer. It is worn by the patient as they go about their daily activities, allowing for the detection of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may not be captured during a standard ECG. The Holter monitor consists of electrodes placed on the chest, which are connected to a small recording device worn on a belt or shoulder strap. It records every heartbeat during the monitoring period, providing detailed information about the heart's activity patterns. Holter monitoring is valuable for diagnosing intermittent arrhythmias, evaluating symptoms such as palpitations or dizziness, assessing the effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medications, and guiding treatment decisions in cardiology.

PFT (Pulmonary Function Test)

PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) is a group of non-invasive diagnostic tests used to assess how well the lungs are functioning. These tests measure various aspects of lung capacity, volume, and airflow rates to evaluate respiratory function and diagnose lung conditions. PFTs are typically performed using spirometry, where the patient breathes into a machine that measures parameters such as FVC, FEV1 and PEF. It helps diagnose conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other lung diseases.