Chapter 26

Principles of Electrocardiography

arrhythmia

(ah RITH mee ah) An abnormal heart rate or rhythm.

artifact

A substance, structure, or event that does not naturally occur in a situation. Examples include interference, or electrical “garbage” on an ECG, or crystals, lint, or contamination of a staining technique.

bipolar

Having two poles or electrical charges.

caliper

A pocket-sized tool used for measuring the height and width of the ECG waves and intervals.

dextrocardia

(dek stro KAHR dee ah) The condition in which the heart is located on the right side of the chest, and the apex is pointing to the right.

echocardiography (ECHO)

(eck oh KAR dee ah gruh fee) The use of ultrasonic waves directed through the heart to study the structure and motion of the heart. The visual record produced is called an echocardiogram.

electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

(ee leck troh KAR dee ah gram) A record or recording of electrical impulses of the heart as produced by an electrocardiograph.

electrodes

Adhesive patches that conduct electricity from the body to the ECG machine wires.

ion

(AHY ons) An electrically charged atom, or the smallest component of an element.

unipolar

Having one pole or electrical charge.