How to read ecg results

Table of Contents • • • • • While it may seem like a complex concept, with the right instruction, learning how to read an ECG is a lot less daunting than it may seem. The real trick to learning to read and interpret ECGs is to follow a system. A systematic approach, such as the one taught in our ECG interpretation courses, assures that you will not miss a step or a diagnosis. Through repetition and muscle memory, a system eventually becomes automatic. Keep reading to learn a little more about what an ECG is and how to read EKGs like a pro. ECG Components An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a noninvasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to diagnose and monitor many types of heart conditions. An ECG consists of several components, including the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave. Each component provides important information about the heart’s electrical activity. In this article, we will discuss the components of an ECG and how they are used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. P Wave The P wave is the first waveform on an ECG and represents atrial depolarization. It is usually relatively low in amplitude. Typically, it should be upright in leads I, II, and III, and is usually biphasic or inverted in aVR. QRS Complex The QRS complex is the second waveform on an ECG and represents ventricular depolarization. It is usually larger than the P wave in amplitude and has a duration of 0.06 to 0.11 seconds. Typically, it should be upright in leads I, I...

Checklist Assess ventricular (RR intervals) and atrial (PP intervals) rate and rhythm: • Is ventricular rhythm regular? What is the ventricular rate (beats/min)? • Is atrial rhythm regular? What is the atrial rate (beats/min)? • P-waves should precede every QRS complex and the P-wave should be positive in lead II. Common findings • Sinus rhythm (which is the normal rhythm) has the following characteristics: (1) heart rate 50–100 beats per minute; (2) P-wave precedes every QRS complex; (3) the P-wave is positive in lead II and (4) the PR interval is constant. • Causes of bradycardia: sinus bradycardia, sinoatrial block, sinoatrial arrest/inhibition, second-degree AV block, third-degree AV block. Note that escape rhythms may arise during bradycardia. Also note that bradycardia due to dysfunction in the sinoatrial node is referred to as sinus node dysfunction (SND). If a person with ECG signs of SND is symptomatic, the condition is classified as sick sinus syndrome (SSS). • Causes of tachycardia (tachyarrhythmia) with narrow QRS complexes (QRS duration <0,12 s): sinus tachycardia, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, sinoatrial re-entry tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, atrial tachycardia, multifocal atrial tachycardia, AVNRT, AVRT (pre-excitation, WPW). Note that narrow complex tachyarrhythmia rarely cause circulatory compromise or collapse. • Causes of tachycardia (tachyarrhythmia) with wide QRS complexes (QRS duration ≥0,12 s): ventricular tachycardia is the mo...

Table of Contents • • • • • While it may seem like a complex concept, with the right instruction, learning how to read an ECG is a lot less daunting than it may seem. The real trick to learning to read and interpret ECGs is to follow a system. A systematic approach, such as the one taught in our ECG interpretation courses, assures that you will not miss a step or a diagnosis. Through repetition and muscle memory, a system eventually becomes automatic. Keep reading to learn a little more about what an ECG is and how to read EKGs like a pro. ECG Components An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a noninvasive test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to diagnose and monitor many types of heart conditions. An ECG consists of several components, including the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave. Each component provides important information about the heart’s electrical activity. In this article, we will discuss the components of an ECG and how they are used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. P Wave The P wave is the first waveform on an ECG and represents atrial depolarization. It is usually relatively low in amplitude. Typically, it should be upright in leads I, II, and III, and is usually biphasic or inverted in aVR. QRS Complex The QRS complex is the second waveform on an ECG and represents ventricular depolarization. It is usually larger than the P wave in amplitude and has a duration of 0.06 to 0.11 seconds. Typically, it should be upright in leads I, I...