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Yerizal Karani MD
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine
Faculty of Medicine Andalas University
Outline
1. Review of the conduction system
2. ECG waveforms and intervals
3. ECG leads
4. Determining heart rate
5. Determining QRS axis
6. How to read ECG
What is an EKG?
The electrocardiogram (EKG) is a
representation of the electrical events of the
cardiac cycle.
Each event has a distinctive waveform, the
study of which can lead to greater insight
into a patients cardiac pathophysiology.
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
Is a recording of electrical activity of heart conducted thru ions
in body to surface
Fig 13.22a
13-60
EKG Leads
Leads are electrodes which measure the
difference in electrical potential between
either:
1. Two different points on the body (bipolar leads)
2. One point on the body and a virtual reference point
with zero electrical potential, located in the center of
the heart (unipolar leads)
EKG Leads
The standard EKG has 12 leads:
Precordial Leads
Precordial Leads
Summary of Leads
Bipolar
Limb Leads
Precordial Leads
I, II, III
Unipolar
V1-V6
Fig. 13.22b
ECG
3 distinct waves are
produced during
cardiac cycle
P wave caused by
atrial depolarization
QRS complex
caused by
ventricular
depolarization
T wave results from
ventricular
repolarization
Fig 13.24
13-63
ST segment:
Connects the QRS complex and T wave
Duration of 0.08-0.12 sec (80-120 msec
T wave:
Represents repolarization or recovery of ventricles
Interval from beginning of QRS to apex of T is referred to as the absolute
refractory period
QT Interval
Measured from beginning of QRS to the end of the T wave
Normal QT is usually about 0.40 sec
QT interval varies based on heart rate
Fig. 13.24b
Fig. 13.24c
Fig. 13.24d
P wave
Depolarization of both atria;
Relationship between P and QRS helps distinguish various
arrhythmias
Shape and duration of P may indicate atrial enlargement
cardiac
QRS complex:
Represents ventricular depolarization
Larger than P wave because of greater muscle mass of ventricles
Normal duration = 0.08-0.12 seconds
Its duration, amplitude, and morphology are useful in diagnosing
cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular hypertrophy, MI, electrolyte
derangement, etc.
Q wave greater than 1/3 the height of the R wave, greater than 0.04
sec are abnormal and may represent MI
PR interval:
From onset of P wave to onset of QRS
Normal duration = 0.12-2.0 sec (120-200 ms) (3-4
horizontal boxes)
Represents atria to ventricular conduction time (through
His bundle)
Prolonged PR interval may indicate a 1st degree heart
block
Fig. 13.24g
T wave:
Represents repolarization or recovery of ventricles
Interval from beginning of QRS to apex of T is referred to as the
absolute refractory period
ST segment:
Connects the QRS complex and T wave
Duration of 0.08-0.12 sec (80-120 msec
QT Interval
Measured from beginning of QRS to the end of the T wave
Normal QT is usually about 0.40 sec
QT interval varies based on heart rate
Anatomic Groups
(Septum)
Anatomic Groups
(Anterior Wall)
Anatomic Groups
(Lateral Wall)
Anatomic Groups
(Inferior Wall)
Anatomic Groups
(Summary)
Rule of 300
Take the number of big boxes between
neighboring QRS complexes, and divide this
into 300. The result will be approximately
equal to the rate
Although fast, this method only works for
regular rhythms.
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(300 / 6) = 50 bpm
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(300 / ~ 4) = ~ 75 bpm
Rate
300
150
100
75
60
50
10 Second Rule
As most EKGs record 10 seconds of rhythm per
page, one can simply count the number of beats
present on the EKG and multiply by 6 to get the
number of beats per 60 seconds.
33 x 6 = 198 bpm
Predominantly
Positive
Predominantly
Negative
Equiphasic
Predominantly positive in II
HOW TO REPORT
1. Heart Rate
2. Rhythm
3. Regular or irregular
4. Axis
5. P wave
6. PR interval
7. QRS complex
8. ST segment
9. QT Interval
10. T wave