ECG (Electrocardiogram)

Who should do an ECG when and why?

We have long known that the electrocardiogram is an indispensable tool for evaluating the conduction system of the heart. But do we always know exactly when to do an ECG, and when to choose an ultrasound of the heart (ECHOCG)? Unfortunately, it is impossible to unequivocally answer this question, since these methods are not interchangeable. And often, for a complete picture of the work of the heart, both an ECG, an ECHOCG, and a chest x-ray are necessary.

So when is an EKG needed?

If the doctor during the examination detects an irregular rhythm during auscultation, this is a clear indication for assessing the conduction system.

But an ECG is also needed if the patient has valvular disease (endocardiosis, valvular stenosis) or myocardial disease (dilated cardiomyopathy). In these patients, electrophysiological changes cannot be assessed by auscultation. Then the ECG becomes an indispensable way to identify patients at increased risk of sudden death or at risk of developing malignant arrhythmias.

Another group of patients requiring regular monitoring are dog breeds predisposed to heart disease.

Most large and giant breeds have a pronounced genetic predisposition to cardiomyopathies. In each breed, the disease can have a different course. For example, in Irish wolfhounds, atrial fibrillation may be the only symptom of DCM. Often this breed does not develop symptoms of heart failure, but the risk of sudden death becomes higher.

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers have supraventricular tachyarrhythmias associated with the presence of additional pathways. Bernese Mountain Dogs and Dogue de Bordeaux are predisposed to atrial flutter.

Among cats, there are also rhythm disturbances that require ECG monitoring. A high heart rate, which is typical for this type of animal, does not allow reliable detection of rhythm disturbances during auscultation. Therefore, veterinarians strongly recommend that all cats diagnosed with heart disease have an ECG done.

An electrocardiogram is an essential component of a cardiac examination. But sometimes, for a patient without symptoms of heart failure, a timely study can save a life.