An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a medical test that measures the heart's electrical activity to diagnose various heart conditions. It records distinct waves (P, QRS, T, and sometimes U) and key intervals (PR, QT, RR) to assess heart function. While it is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has limitations as it only detects electrical activity and should be interpreted alongside clinical history.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a medical test that measures the heart's electrical activity to diagnose various heart conditions. It records distinct waves (P, QRS, T, and sometimes U) and key intervals (PR, QT, RR) to assess heart function. While it is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has limitations as it only detects electrical activity and should be interpreted alongside clinical history.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a medical test that measures the heart's electrical activity to diagnose various heart conditions. It records distinct waves (P, QRS, T, and sometimes U) and key intervals (PR, QT, RR) to assess heart function. While it is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has limitations as it only detects electrical activity and should be interpreted alongside clinical history.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a medical test that measures the heart's electrical activity to diagnose various heart conditions. It records distinct waves (P, QRS, T, and sometimes U) and key intervals (PR, QT, RR) to assess heart function. While it is a valuable diagnostic tool, it has limitations as it only detects electrical activity and should be interpreted alongside clinical history.
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart over
time. Here’s a note on ECG:
ECG (Electrocardiogram) Overview:
Definition: An ECG is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It helps in diagnosing various heart conditions by measuring the electrical impulses that trigger each heartbeat.
How it Works: The heart's electrical system controls the rhythm and rate of the heart. Electrodes placed on the skin detect electrical signals as they travel through the heart muscle. The signals are then amplified and displayed as a waveform on the ECG screen or paper.
Components of the ECG Waveform:
An ECG waveform typically consists of several distinct waves:
1. P Wave: o Represents atrial depolarization, the electrical activity that causes the atria to contract. 2. QRS Complex: o Represents ventricular depolarization, the electrical impulse that causes the ventricles to contract. o It is a sharp, large waveform and is the most prominent feature on an ECG. 3. T Wave: o Represents ventricular repolarization, the recovery phase where the ventricles reset to their resting state. 4. U Wave (if present): o Often seen in some individuals, it is thought to reflect repolarization of the papillary muscles or the end of ventricular repolarization.
Key Intervals:
1. PR Interval: o Time from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex. Represents the time for the electrical signal to travel from the atria to the ventricles. 2. QT Interval: oTime from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave. Represents the total time for the ventricles to depolarize and repolarize. 3. RR Interval: o The time between two successive R waves. Used to calculate the heart rate.
Clinical Relevance:
An ECG is a powerful diagnostic tool for detecting:
12-lead ECG: Provides a comprehensive view of the heart’s electrical activity from 12 different angles. Single-lead ECG: Records the heart’s electrical activity from one angle, often used for monitoring.
Normal ECG Parameters:
Heart Rate: 60–100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults.
PR Interval: 120–200 milliseconds. QRS Duration: Less than 120 milliseconds. QT Interval: Less than 440 milliseconds.
Limitations:
ECG only detects electrical activity; it may not reveal other heart issues like structural abnormalities or blood flow problems. For accurate interpretation, it must be read in conjunction with the patient’s clinical history and symptoms.
