Introduction to EKG and Cardiac Rhythm Analysis

These flashcards cover the vocabulary and key concepts related to EKG interpretation and cardiac rhythms as discussed in the lecture.

12 Lead EKG

A test that displays electrical activity of the heart from twelve different angles, using ten electrodes.

Bipolar leads

Leads that measure the difference in electrical potential between two electrodes, examples include lead I, II, and III.

AVR, AVL, AVF

Augmented leads that provide additional views of the heart's electrical activity; augmented voltage right, left, and foot.

Isoelectric line

The baseline level of the heart's electrical activity where there is no depolarization.

P wave

Represents atrial depolarization; the first deflection of an EKG wave.

QRS Complex

Represents ventricular depolarization; the sharp, jagged portion of the EKG wave.

T wave

Represents ventricular repolarization; a wave that follows the QRS complex.

PR interval

The time period from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex; indicates the duration of electrical conduction through the atria.

QT interval

The time from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave; represents the total time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

Conduction system

The pathway through which electrical impulses travel through the heart to initiate contractions.

Grounding patch

An electrode that serves as a reference point with no direct role in measuring electrical signals, typically placed on the right leg.

Ventricular dysrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm originating from the ventricles.

Heart rate determination

Methods to calculate heart rate, including the six-second method, large box method, and small box method.