Introduction to Electrocardiograms

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to electrocardiograms as discussed in the lecture.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart.

Holter Monitor

A portable ECG device that records heart activity over long periods during daily life.

Lead I

An ECG lead that measures electrical activity from the right arm to the left arm.

Einthoven's Triangle

A theoretical triangle composed of the three limb leads: I, II, and III.

V1 to V6

The designations for the six chest leads placed on the body to record heart activity.

P wave

A wave in an ECG that represents atrial depolarization.

QRS complex

A series of waves in an ECG that represents ventricular depolarization.

T wave

A wave in an ECG that represents ventricular repolarization.

Atrial Repolarization

The process of recovery of the atria, often obscured by the QRS complex in an ECG.

Abnormal Conduction Pathways

Irregular pathways of electrical impulses in the heart that can be detected in an ECG.

Cardiac Muscle Hypertrophy

An increase in the size of the heart muscle that can be identified through ECG analysis.

Electrodes

Contacts on the skin that are used to detect and record electrical activity during an ECG.