Electrocardiagram Traces Flashcards
What does an electrocardiagram (ECG) do?
Record of electrical signals that spreads thru the heart during the cardiac cycle detected using electrodes placed on the skin
View booklet to see P, QRS and T waves
Calculating heart rate from an ECG trace
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Describe the heart rate and rhythm in atrial fibrillation compared to the normal trace
In atrial fibrilation, heart rate is rapid, irregular and may lack a P wave
Describe the change in the QRS wave from a person after a heart attack
A person who has had a heart attack may have a wide QRS complex
Abnormalities in heart can be detected using an ECG trace, what are all the conditions?
- tachycardia
- bradycardia
- ventricular fibrillation
- sinus arrythmia
- flat line
Describe tachycardia
- heart rate is very fast (over 100 bpm)
- P waves are very close but evenly spread out
Describe bradycardia
- heart rate is very slow (under 60 bpm)
- P waves are very spread apart but evenly spread
Describe ventricular fibrillation
- heart rate is very fast
- P, QRS and T waves cannot be identified
- very serious condition, contraction of ventricles isnt controlled or coordinated
- heart pumps little blood
- can cause cardiac arrest
Describe sinus arrhythmia
- normal P wave but not evenly spread
- when you inhale, hr speeds up
- when you exhale, hr slows down
Describe a flat line
- ECG shows no electrical activity of the heart
See booklet for diagrams of heart conditions
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