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Apexcardiography (ACG)
Apexcardiography (ACG)
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Apexcardiography (ACG)
Category: Cardiovascular system.
Subcategory: Graphic recording.
Material studied: Recording of heart's action.
Estimated cost of test: $25.00 to $50.00. About $100.00 when performed at the same time as a phonocardiogram and standard electrocardiogram.
Patient time for test: 15-20 minutes.
Reliability of test results: Fair. Specificity is poor. Apexcardiography alone seldom provides a precise diagnosis, however it aids evaluation of heart function when combined with electrocardiography, phonocardiography or carotid-and-jugular-pulse tracings. Other tests, studies and clinical observations are necessary to establish a precise diagnosis.
Available as home self-test? No.
Note: Test records chest-wall movements caused by heart's pumping action. It is safe and painless.
BEFORE THE TEST
Purpose of test:
Helps evaluate left-ventricular function.
Helps identify effects of ventricular enlargement, heart failure and disease of the heart valves.
Helps identify heart sounds.
Where is test performed?
Commercial laboratory, hospital, doctor's office, outpatient or free standing surgical facility.
Who performs test?
Lab technician, nurse, doctor.
Risks and precautions:
None.
Patient preparation:
Activity--No changes necessary.
Diet--No changes necessary.
Medicines--No changes necessary.
Disrobing--Remove all clothing. Put on surgical gown.
THE TEST
Sensory factors:
Touching--This monitoring requires attachment of electrodes to your chest. In some cases, your chest is shaved. You may feel some discomfort when electrodes are attached to your chest.
Feeling--Some degree of apprehension or fear is normal and should be expected. Discomfort disappears when the test is finished.
Other senses (smell, hearing, taste, sight)--Not affected.
Equipment used:
Electrodes.
Transducer.
Conductive jelly.
Recorder.
Elastic strap.
Description of test:
Lie on your left side during the procedure.
Electrodes are attached to your arms and legs for the EKG.
A transducer is placed over your heart and held in place by an elastic strap.
Breathe slowly or hold your breath when requested, so variations in your breathing do not distort test results.
Perform isometric (muscle-clenching) hand-grip exercises when requested.
Do not talk or move during this procedure, unless asked to do so.
AFTER THE TEST
Immediate post-test care:
None.
Activity after test:
Conductive jelly is removed from your skin.
Return to pretest activities right away.
Time before test results available: Time before results are reported to the doctor or patient varies from a few minutes to a few days.
TEST RESULTS
Test values:
Test results are determined by examining graphic recording.
Normal values:
No abnormalities.
What ABNORMAL may indicate:
Aortic-valve stenosis*.
Atrial fibrillation*.
Atrial flutter.
Constrictive pericarditis*.
Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis*.
Ischemia*.
Latent left-ventricular abnormality.
Left-ventricular aneurysm*.
Mitral regurgitation*.
Mitral stenosis*.
Myocardial failure*.
Myocardial infarction*.
Systemic hypertension*.
Taking these drugs may affect test results:
None expected.
Other factors that may affect test results:
Incorrect positioning of your body.
Incorrect transducer placement.
Transducer tension.
Rapid or deep breathing.
*See Glossary.
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From Complete Guide to Medical Tests by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Fisher Books. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
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