EKG Study

What is an EKG?

a medical test that measures the electrical activity of the heart over time

How does an EKG work?

an EKG records the heart’s electrical signals producing a graph (tracing) with various waves that represent different phases of the hearts electrical cycle

P Wave

represents atrial depolarization (electrical impulse traveling through the atria)

QRS Complex

Represents ventricular depolarization (the electrical impulse traveling through the ventricles)

T Wave

represents ventricular depolarization (the recovery phase of the ventricles)

PR Interval

The time from the beginning of the P Wave to the beginning of the QRS Complex, indicating the time it takes for the electrical signal to travel from the atria to the ventricles

ST Segment

the flat line between the end of the QRS complex and the beginning of the T Wave, show the period when the heart muscle is between depolarization and depolarization

normal sinus rhythm

a healthy heart rhythm with a regular rate and pattern

arrhythmias

irregular heart rhythm

atrial fibrillation (AFIB)

A fast, irregular ruthem originating form the atria

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCS)

extra heartbeats originating from the ventricles

Artifacts

these are interference or noise in the EKG reading, which can distort the results

artifact examples

motion artifact, electrode issue, wandering baseline

motion artifact

caused by patient movement, such as shivering or talking

electrode issues

poor electrode placement, loose connections, or improper skin preparation

wandering baseline

often cause by the patient’s respiration or the skin’s oil