Eectrocardiogram Interpretation

Depolarization

Electrical impulses that spread throughout the heart; activates and contracts

Repolarization

Electrical impulse ends

Relax

Reset

P Waves

Atrial depolarization

Atria push blood into ventricles (Contract)

PR Interval

Atrial to ventricular conduction

P-pause-pump

QRS Complex

Ventricular depolarization

Quick rapid squeeze

Ventricles contract and pump blood out to the body and lungs

ST Segment

The plateau phase

Stable and tranquil

T Waves

Ventricular Repolarization

Time to take a break

Electrical reset/ relax

QT Interval

Total Ventricular Electrical Activity

Total time for ventricles to depolarize, contract, then repolarize

R to R Interval

Peak R to the next peak

Ischemia

Not enough blood flow or oxygen leading to cell death

Pulmonary Emboli

A block in the lung artery leading to the heart not havng enough blood to work

Sinus Bradycardia

Slower then normal heart rate

Myocardial Infarction

Heart attack due to lack of oxygen (permanent)

Syncopal Episodes

Fainting spells due to a temporary drop in the amount of blooded oxygen reaching the brain

Palpitations

Racing, pounding, fluttering, or skipping heart beat

Sinus Tachycardia

Faster heart rate

Hypokalemia

Low potassium which causes flat t waves, u waves, st depression

Lowers BP and weakens the muscle

Hypomagnesemia

Low magnesium Which causes arrhythmias , heart palpating, atrial fib, TdP, prolonged QT/PR,fat T waves

Apical Pulse

Heartbeat counted over the apex of the heart

Pulse Deficit

Heart beats but some beats are to weak to push blood all the way to the rest of the body

Radial Pulse

Wrist

Diaphoresis

Excessive sweating not caused by heat or exercise