B3 Tissue structure and function

KEY IDEA:
The function of the heart and brain can be monitored
using ECGs and EEGs.

22. ECG traces

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

You
LO1: MUST describe what an ECG and EEG trace is
LO2: SHOULD explain how these traces are obtained
LO3: COULD relate disorders to changes in ECG and EEG
traces

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/zx7qn39 BBC

Heart and pacemaker tissue

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zhnk7ty/revision/
5
Heart function summary

Pacemaker tissue

The natural resting heart rate is controlled by a group of cells that

act as a pacemaker, located in the right atrium.
Artificial pacemakers are electrical devices used to correct
irregularities in the heart rate.
A faulty pacemaker causes irregular beating of the heart which in
turn causes blood circulation to be inefficient. Artificial pacemakers
powered by a battery can be fitted without needing open heart
surgery.

Pacemaker

Heart problems: introduction

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Boardworks Ltd 2012

What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test that can
be used to check your heart's rhythm and electrical
activity. Sensors attached to the skin are used to
detect the electrical signals produced by your heart
each time it beats.

AnECG can help detect:

arrhythmiaswhere the heart beatstoo slowly, too
quickly, or irregularly
coronary heart diseasewhere the heart's blood
supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty
substances
heart attacks where the supply of blood to the
heart is suddenly blocked
cardiomyopathywhere the heart walls become
thickened or enlarged
A series of ECGs can also be taken over time to
monitor a person already diagnosed with a heart
condition or taking medication known to potentially
affect the heart.

Types of ECG
There are three main types of ECG:
a resting ECGcarried outwhile you're lying down in a
comfortable position
a stress or exercise ECGcarried outwhile you're using
an exercise bike or treadmill
an ambulatory ECG the electrodes are connected to a
small portable machine worn at your waist so your heart
can be monitored at home for one or more days
The type of ECG recommended for you will depend on your
symptoms and the heart problem suspected.
For example, an exercise ECG may be recommended if your
symptoms are triggered by physical activity, whereas an
ambulatory ECG may be more suitable if your symptoms
are unpredictable and occur in random, short episodes.

What is an EEG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple test
that can be used to check your heart's
rhythm and electrical activity. Sensors
attached to the skin are used to detect the
electrical signals produced by your heart each
time it beats.
http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/eeg
Brain cells communicate with each other
through electrical impulses. An EEG can be
used to help detect potential problems
associated with this activity. The test tracks
and records brain wave patterns. Small, flat
metal discs called electrodes are attached to

AnEEGmay be done to:

Check forepilepsyand see what type ofseizuresare
occurring. EEG is the most useful and important test
for checking if someone hasepilepsy.
Check for problems with loss of consciousness
ordementia.
Find out if a person who is in acomaisbrain-dead.
Studysleep disorders, such asnarcolepsy.
Watchbrainactivity while a person is getting general
anaesthesia for brain surgery.
Help find out if a person has a physical problem or
amental health problem. Physical problems include
problems in the brain, spinal cord, ornervous
system.