Signal-Averaged Electrocardiogram (SAECG)
Overview:
A SAECG is similar to a regular electrocardiogram (EKG) but uses computer processing to record lower-level signals that do not normally appear on a standard EKG.
Detailed Information:
A technician, nurse, or doctor performs this test at a doctor’s office to detect late electrical potential currents that may be present after the heart muscle has been activated. This electrical activity usually occurs in damaged parts of the heart muscle and indicates risk for development of an abnormal heart rhythm. This painless test takes around 30 minutes, and test results are immediate.
The test works by taking a regular ECG for a prolapsed period, usually around 30 minutes. Next, a computer superimposes the ECG signals over an average ECG signal to check for abnormalities. The patient simply lies on the table while the graph paper lists the heart’s electrical impulses.
This test can provide information on arrhythmic potential that a resting ECG and Holter monitoring can miss. Because it can provide clues to potentially serious cardiac arrhythmias, a positive result calls for further tests that may include electrophysiology studies.
Last updated: 03-Jun-04
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
Interact on Heart1 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Discuss this topic with others.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
