L5 Physiology: clinical introduction to ECG Flashcards
We have 12 leads but _____ is called the rhythm strip.
Lead 2
Lead 2 gives us the best look at the ______?
P wave
Holter monitor is worn for ___ hours and it can pick up any arrythmias.
24 hours
How do you calculate heart rate using leads?
Use lead 2 (rhythm strip) and look at the interval between two R waves (R-R interval).
Count big boxes between the two waves: each big box = 200 millisecond, so 5 big boxes is 1 second.
Heart rate is 300/number of big boxes.
Tachycardia
Heart rate greater than 100
Bradycardia
HR less than 60
ECG is a surface representation of?
Electrical activity of the heart
Describe the conduction of the heart
Heart has its own conduction.
- Wave of depolarization propagates from the SA node through intermodal pathways and through Bachman’s bundle.
- Pauses at the AV node
- Propagates through Bundle of His, then the bundle branches.
- Bundle branches terminate in purkinje fibres.
SA node depolarisation is controlled by?
Controlled by hormones and the SNS (vagus) -> if you are fit with high vagal tone the HR will be slow
P wave
Action potentials that result from the depolarization wave from the SA node as it spreads across the atria (atrial depolarisation).
PR segment
- It then pauses for a second
- 120-200 ms (3-5 small squares)
QRS complex
- Ventricular depolarization begins.
- The Q wave is due to septal depolarization which actually moves from left to right, and then propagates back to form the QRS complex.
- Biphasic because electricity moves in 2 directions.
- LV thicker with more conduciveness so its contribution is greater.
- <120 ms (2-3 small squares)
ST segment
Once vetricular depolarization is complete, there is a pause.
T wave
Ventricular repolarization begins at the apex -> then repolarization is complete
QT segment
- From the Q wave to the end of the T wave
- Normally <440-450 ms
- This allows for both ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
- Genetic abnormalities and drug interactions that can cause a long QT interval.
What indicates normal sinus rhythm in the heart?
P waves before every QRS complex
A positive deflection is elicited by?
A wave of depolarization travelling towards a particular electrode on the chest surface.
Negative deflection is elicited by?
If it is moving away it will be a negative deflection, but if its perpendicular then you get a biphasic response.
How many leads on chest and limbs?
6 on chest, 3 on limbs
Describe this image
V1 is the right pre-cordial lead across to V6 in the axilla.
Normal complex will look different depending on where they are placed.