Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram or ECG is a non-invasive diagnostic test to record the electrical voltage in the heart so as to understand its functioning and regularity of heart beats. The electrocardiogram or EKG can help in diagnosing cardiovascular disease. The ECG is used to check for any damage to the heart and regulate the functioning of the pacemaker.
An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity within the heart, thereby throwing light on the how the heart muscles function. This test is not painful. An ECG is recommended for patients who complain of regular chest pain or palpitations to check for the normal functioning of the heart. It can help in detecting heart attack or ischaemia. If a patient suffers from hypthermia, pulmonary embolism, mitral stenosis or left ventricular hypertropy, an EKG can help in diagnosis.
Other non-cardiac problems such as drug overdose or electrolyte imbalance can be diagnosed with an EKG. Abnormal results from an ECG test may be indicative of arrhythmia, myocarditis, impending heart attack or enlarged heart.
Cardiac Arrhythmia
Cardiac arrhythmia refers to a disturbance of the heart rhythm. When the regular heart rhythm is disturbed, it can lead to symptoms that can range from mild to life-threatening. The heart may have slower beats or there may be a blockage of the electrical pathway of the heart. One of the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation. This occurs in older persons when the upper atrial chambers of the heart do not pump correctly. This can lead to blood clots. Heart failure or electrolyte imbalance can bring on cardiac arrhythmia.
Tachycardia is a condition where there is rapid heartbeat due to inefficiency in the blood circulation. Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rhythm is more than 100 beats/minute. This can happen due to stress, hyperthyroidism or alcohol. On the other hand, Bradycardia is a condition where the heart rhythm is less than 60 beats/min. A ventricular arrhythmia can be life-threatening. This happens when there is ventricular fibrillation. It is essential to treat this condition and restore the rhythm within minutes to prevent heart damage and death. Allergic reactions can trigger arrhythmias.
Some persons suffering from cardiac arrhythmia notice symptoms such as dizziness, fainting and lightheadedness. There may be a fluttering or pounding sensation in the chest. Antiarrhythmic agents such as amiodarone and sotalol are prescribed to maintain the normal rhythm of the heart. In cases of atrial fibrillation, warfarin is used to prevent blood clots. Medication for cardiac arrhythmia includes beta blockers such as metoprolol and atenolol to reduce the heart rhythm. An electronic cardiac pacemaker may be implanted to regulate the heart beat.
Dehydration
Water forms a large part of our bodies and plays no small role in vital functions such as eliminating waste, transporting and absorbing nutrients and formation of body fluids. Dehydration occurs when a body loses more fluids than normal and the body faces shortage of water for normal functioning. While this condition can happen at any age, it can be very dangerous in babies and young children. Untreated severe dehydration can lead to seizures, permanent brain damage or death.
1. Gastrointestinal illness leading to diarrea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. If a person does not replenish the water levels in the body with timely fluids, tremendous loss of water and electrolytes in a short amount of time is noticed. This can be life threatening in small babies and older persons.
2. Athletes, wrestlers and those engaging in sports may sweat and lose body water. Saunas and steam baths also have a dehydrating effect on the body. It can lead to electrolyte imbalance.
3. Fad diets, laxatives and diuretics can lead to dehydration.
4. Going out on a warm day and excessive sweating can cause the body to become dehydrated.
5. Aerated drinks, tea and coffee add to dehydrating effect
6. A person who is ill and running fever is more likely to become dehydrated.
Some of the symptoms of dehydration are dizziness and dry or sticky mouth. The dehydrated person produces less urine of a darker color. Low blood pressure and poor skin turgor are noticed. Dehydration can lead to dizziness and listlessness. In an infant it is imperative to recognize the symptoms of dehydration. The infant may become lethargic and have a marked sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the top of the head). The child may pass blood in the stools.
Drinking plenty of water and electrolytes can help in tackling dehydration. For severe cases of dehydration, intravenous fluids and hospitalization will be needed.
Bibliography / Reference
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