Perhaps the simplest and most common method to determine heart rates involves multiplying the number of QRSThe electrical representation of ventricular depolarization; the atrial repolarization is also a part of the QRS. ECG interpretation relies heavily on the QRS complex. The QRS complex represents the depolarization of the ventricles. The repolarization of the atria is also... complexes found over six seconds by a factor of 10 to get the number of QRS complexes in a minute (60 seconds). Figure 4.19 provides 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 over a six second period. What is the heart rateThe number of QRS complexes per minute; note that HR may not equal perfused pulse rate. See also: - Step 1 Heart Rate - Rate - Rule of 300s (Triplicate Method) - Six Second Count - The Caliper Method 1.... per minute for this rhythmOften refers to a discernible pattern in time or distance between QRS complexes and/or P waves. strip?
Simple stuff. This method – call it the six second count – works well whether the rhythm is regular or irregular. Mind you, if the rhythm is grossly irregular, a longer rhythm strip may produce a more accurate heart rateHeart Rate; calculated by counting the number of QRS complexes in six seconds and multiplying by 10; rate is also determined by measuring the number of large squares between two R waves; i.e. –1 large square = heart rate of 300/minute. i.e. 15 seconds of QRS complexes multiplied by 4. Note that the six second count also works well for slow rhythms.
8 QRS complexes in 6 seconds x 10 = 80 QRS complexes/minute
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. 92