An ECGElectrocardiogram; also called an EKG; a representation of electrical voltage measured across the chest over a period of time. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 196 is composed of a series of waves and lines usually ordered into some repeatable patternPattern refers to the repeating components of an ECG rhythm in a predicative order. An ECG rhythm that is initiated by one of several intrinsic pacemaker sites of a heart will often generate a regular, even rhythm pattern. This can.... The waves and lines are displayed on either a two dimensional screen or on ECG paperAn ECG is a graphical display of electrical energy generated by the heart over time. ECG graph paper records this cardiac electrical activity, printing at a rate of 25 mm/second. The paper graph is divided into small 1 mm squares.... The height of the tracing represents millivolts while the width of the ECG addresses an intervalA period measured on rhythm strip paper that measures a wave and a segment; the distance measured is equal to time taken as an ECG is voltage over time; a PR interval for example is measured from the beginning of... of time.
The ability to interpret an ECG relies heavily on a good understanding of the basic ECG components.
An ECG is composed of a series of waves and lines usually ordered into some repeatable pattern. The waves and lines are displayed on either a two dimensional screen or on ECG paper. The height of the tracing represents millivolts while the width of the ECG addresses an interval of time.
This section on ECG components addresses each of the waves, intervals and segments of an ECG in the order that they would appear. While waves are fairly self-explanatory, intervals measure time from the start of one wave to the start of another wave (an interval includes at least one wave) and segments measure time between waves (waves are not included in a segmentA line between waves. Segments measure time between waves (waves are not included in a segment). While waves are fairly self-explanatory, intervals measure time from the start of one wave to the start of another wave (an interval includes at...).
1. Six Second ECG GuidebookA Practice Guide to Basic and 12 Lead ECG Interpretation, written by Tracy Barill, 2012 Introduction The ability to correctly interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG), be it a simple six second strip or a 12 lead ECG, is a vital skill... (2012), T Barill, p. 79-80