ECG Flashcards
What is an ECG?
An Electrocardiogram is a test used to measure the electrical changes of the heart muscle
What happens during the P wave?
Atrial depolarisation
What happens during the QRS complex?
Ventricular depolarisation
(atrial repolarisation)
What happens during the T wave?
Ventricular repolarisation
What happens during the U wave?
Unknown (repolarisation of Purkinje fibres?) – rarely seen
What does 1 small square represent on ECG paper?
0.04s / 40ms
What does 1 large square represent on ECG paper?
0.2s / 200ms
How do you calculate HR?
300 / No. of large squares
How long is a normal PR interval?
120-220ms
Describe the PR interval
- Beginning of P wave to the beginning of QRS complex
- The time taken for the signal to travel from the SAN to the ventricular muscle
How long is a normal QRS complex?
120ms
Describe the QRS complex
How long it takes for the signal to spread through the ventricles
Describe the QT interval
- Beginning of the QRS to the end of the T wave
- Time taken for ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation to occur
Describe the ST segment
- End of the S wave to the beginning of the T wave
- The period between ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation
What leads make up the 12 lead ECG and how many electrodes?
Made up of 6 limb leads (4 electrodes) and 6 chest leads (6 electrodes)
What plane do the limb leads look at the heart in?
Vertical
What plane do the chest leads look at the heart in?
Horizontal
Which limb leads look at the left lateral surface of the heart?
I, II, and VL