ECGs Flashcards
What is an ECG divided into
3 sections
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What do the different waves show
A P wave shows the contraction of the atria (atrial systole)
The QRS wave shows the contraction of the ventricles (ventricular systole)
The T wave shows the retraction of the ventricles (ventricular diastole)
How do you measure the time for one heartbeat on an ECG
You measure the time between the start of one P wave and the next P wave
How do you use the heartbeat to work out the heart rate
You find the number of heartbeats in 60 seconds and divide
What is bradycardia
It is when the heart beat drops below 60bpm
What is bradycardia caused by
Due to athletic training which increases the stroke volume of the heart rate, and because the heart pumps a greater volume per minute bpm decreases
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What is tachycardia
If a person has a heart rate greater than 100bpm then they have tachycardia
What can tachycardia be caused by
Short term effects such as fear panic or exercise
It can be caused by problems by the SON or other medical conditions and surgery or drugs may be required
DRAW THE ECG FOR TACHYCARDIA
What is an ectopic heartbeat
Is an extra heartbeat that is not part of the heart’s usual rhythm
The heart contracts again before the first contraction has finished, followed by a short pause before the rhythm continues
What causes an ectopic heartbeat
it is relatively common and doesn’t cause any health risks
DRAW THE ECG of an ectopic heartbeat
What is atrial fibrillation
It is when irregular waves of electrical excitation pass over the atria, causing them to contract randomly and rapidly.
And in most cases this is not transmitted to the ventricles, so the ventricles contract less frequently than the atria.
What type of issue is atrial fibrilation
As the normal rhythm of the heart is disrupted atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia
What are the effects of atrial fibrilation and how can it be fixed
the heart can’t pump blood normally so medication or surgery is required
DRAW the ECG for atrial fibrilation
