The document discusses how an electrocardiogram works by recording the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. It explains that the ECG measures electrical impulses during each heartbeat which are displayed as waves on a graph corresponding to different phases of the cardiac cycle such as atrial contraction, ventricular contraction, and ventricular relaxation.
The document discusses how an electrocardiogram works by recording the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. It explains that the ECG measures electrical impulses during each heartbeat which are displayed as waves on a graph corresponding to different phases of the cardiac cycle such as atrial contraction, ventricular contraction, and ventricular relaxation.
The document discusses how an electrocardiogram works by recording the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. It explains that the ECG measures electrical impulses during each heartbeat which are displayed as waves on a graph corresponding to different phases of the cardiac cycle such as atrial contraction, ventricular contraction, and ventricular relaxation.
The document discusses how an electrocardiogram works by recording the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes placed on the skin. It explains that the ECG measures electrical impulses during each heartbeat which are displayed as waves on a graph corresponding to different phases of the cardiac cycle such as atrial contraction, ventricular contraction, and ventricular relaxation.
Body is a volume conductor and the heart muscle, being the electrical generator with two
opposite poles (dipole), is bathed in it. Under this condition, electrical impulse that is initiated in the cardiac muscle will be transmitted throughout the body. If suitable electrodes (leads) are placed on the body opposite to the heart and connected to a very sensitive galvanometer with a recording device, then the electrical potential can be recorded. The record is known as electrocardiogram (ECG). The machine by which the electrocardiogram is recorded is spoken of as electro cardiograph. Definition, Method and Stages of Electrocardiogram An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It is a valuable tool for diagnosing various heart conditions and assessing the heart's rhythm and overall function. The ECG is performed by attaching electrodes to the skin at various points on the body, which then pick up the electrical signals generated by the heart. These signals are amplified and recorded on a graph, which is interpreted by medical professionals to determine the heart's health and functioning. Method of Electrocardiogram (ECG): 1. Electrode Placement: Small metal electrodes are attached to specific locations on the patient's chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to a machine called an ECG recorder. 2. Signal Recording: The ECG recorder measures and records the electrical activity of the heart. It detects the electrical impulses that travel through the heart's muscle fibers during each heartbeat. 3. Graphical Representation: The electrical signals are displayed as a series of waves on a graph. Each wave corresponds to a specific electrical event in the heart's cycle. Stages of an ECG: The ECG graph is divided into various components, each of which represents a different phase of the cardiac cycle: 1. P-Wave: This small upward deflection represents the atrial depolarization (contraction) as the electrical impulses spread across the atria. It indicates the initiation of the heart's contraction. 2. QRS Complex: The QRS complex is a series of three waves—Q, R, and S. It represents the ventricular depolarization (contraction) as the electrical signals spread through the ventricles. The QRS complex is larger and wider than the P-wave. 3. T-Wave: The T-wave represents the repolarization (relaxation) of the ventricles, when they are getting ready for the next heartbeat. 4. U-Wave (sometimes): In some ECGs, a small U-wave follows the T-wave. The U-wave's origin and significance aren't fully understood, but it's thought to represent repolarization of the Purkinje fibers or an electrolyte imbalance. Interpretation: Medical professionals analyze the ECG graph to identify irregularities, anomalies, and patterns that could indicate heart conditions such as arrhythmias, ischemia (reduced blood flow), or abnormal conduction pathways. Changes in the shape, size, and timing of the waves can provide valuable information about the heart's health and functioning.
Decision Making in Spinal Care - David Greg Anderson, Alexander R - Vaccaro - Thieme Medical Publishing Inc - , New York, 2013 - Thieme - 9781283638845 - Anna's Archive
