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EKG (Electrocardiogram) – A test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

EKG Meaning and Purpose – Measures heart rate and rhythm to detect abnormalities such as arrhythmias or myocardial infarction.

Lead – An electrode placement that detects the heart’s electrical activity from different angles.

P Wave – Represents atrial depolarization.

QRS Complex – Represents ventricular depolarization.

T Wave – Represents ventricular repolarization.

PR Interval – Time between atrial and ventricular depolarization.

ST Segment – Represents the time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

QT Interval – Total time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

Baseline (Isoelectric Line) – The flat line on an EKG when there is no electrical activity.

Artifact – Distortion or interference in the EKG tracing not caused by cardiac activity.

Heart Rate – Number of heartbeats per minute.

Sinus Rhythm – Normal rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Arrhythmia – An irregular heart rhythm.

Bradycardia – Slower than normal heart rate (<60 bpm).

Tachycardia – Faster than normal heart rate (>100 bpm).

Asystole – Absence of cardiac electrical activity (“flatline”).

Atrial Fibrillation – Rapid, irregular atrial activity.

Ventricular Fibrillation – Chaotic ventricular activity causing cardiac arrest.

Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) – Early heartbeat originating in the ventricles.

Myocardial Infarct (Heart Attack) – Death of heart muscle due to blocked blood flow.

Ischemia – Reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.

Angina – Chest pain caused by temporary heart muscle ischemia.

Syncope – Temporary loss of consciousness due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Palpitations – Sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Diaphoresis – Excessive sweating, often associated with cardiac distress.

Pallor – Unnatural paleness, may indicate poor circulation or shock.

Hypertension – Elevated blood pressure.

Hypotension – Low blood pressure.

Cardiac Output – Volume of blood the heart pumps per minute.

Stroke Volume – Amount of blood pumped per heartbeat.

Coronary Arteries – Blood vessels supplying the heart muscle.

Angioplasty – A procedure to open blocked coronary arteries.

Pacemaker – A device that helps regulate heart rhythm.

Defibrillation – Electrical shock used to restore normal rhythm in cardiac arrest.

Bundle Branch Block – Delay or obstruction in electrical conduction through the heart’s ventricles.

Atrioventricular (AV) Block – Delay or interruption in conduction between atria and ventricles.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node – The natural pacemaker of the heart.

Atrioventricular (AV) Node – Electrical relay between atria and ventricles.

Depolarization – Electrical activation of the heart muscle.

Repolarization – Recovery phase after depolarization.

Lead II – Commonly used EKG lead that gives a clear view of heart rhythm.

12-Lead EKG – Standard EKG test using 12 different lead views.

Holter Monitor – Portable device for continuous EKG monitoring over 24–48 hours.

Stress Test (Exercise EKG) – EKG recorded while the patient exercises.

Electrodes – Sensors attached to the skin to detect electrical activity.

Cardiac Ischemia – Insufficient oxygen to the heart muscle.

Cardiomyopathy – Disease of the heart muscle affecting function.

Cardiac Arrest – Sudden cessation of heart function.

EKG Technician – A healthcare worker trained to perform EKG tests.