What are common indications for performing an ECG?

An ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a vital diagnostic tool used to assess the electrical activity of the heart. Common indications for performing an ECG typically include the presence of valvular disease and myocardial disease. These conditions can lead to significant alterations in the heart's electrical conduction system, which can be detected through ECG recordings.

Valvular heart disease affects the heart valves, which can result in changes in the heart's rhythm or overall function, thus warranting an ECG to evaluate for arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities. Myocardial disease, such as ischemia or infarction, directly impacts the heart muscle's ability to generate and conduct electrical signals, making an ECG essential for diagnosing and managing these serious conditions. The output can reveal signs of previous heart attacks, chamber enlargement, and other critical information necessary for treatment planning.

In contrast, severe headaches and dizziness may not have a direct correlation to heart conditions that an ECG can identify, skin rashes and allergic reactions are generally unrelated to cardiac activity, and while high blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, it does not itself warrant an ECG unless accompanied by other symptoms related to the heart's function. Therefore, the association between valvular and myocardial diseases with the necessity for ECG