Understanding Electrograms: Types and Uses in Heart Health Assessment

An electrogram (EGM) is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart, typically made using electrodes placed on the skin over the heart. The electrodes detect the tiny electrical impulses that are generated by the heart muscle as it contracts and relax, and these impulses are then recorded as a graph or chart.

There are several types of electrograms that can be used to assess the health of the heart, including:

1. Surface electrocardiogram (ECG): This is the most common type of electrogram, which is used to record the electrical activity of the heart from the surface of the skin.
2. Intravenous electrogram (IVEGM): This type of electrogram is recorded through a catheter that is inserted into a vein in the arm or leg.
3. Endocardial electrogram (ECGM): This type of electrogram is recorded directly from the heart muscle using electrodes placed inside the heart during a cardiac catheterization procedure.
4. Epicardial electrogram (EKEG): This type of electrogram is recorded from the outer surface of the heart, using electrodes placed on the epicardium (the layer of tissue that covers the heart).

Electrograms can be used to diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions, including arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. They can also be used to guide cardiac catheterization procedures, such as ablation therapy for arrhythmias or implantation of pacemakers or defibrillators.