Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Pulse Review

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Pulse for laboratory review.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A recording of the electrical activity of the heart.

P wave

Represents atrial depolarization during the cardiac cycle.

QRS complex

Represents ventricular depolarization and atrial repolarization.

T wave

Represents ventricular repolarization.

R-R interval

Time period between successive R waves, used to calculate heart rate.

Bradycardia

A heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.

Tachycardia

A heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute.

Sinus rhythm

The normal heart rhythm generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat, often caused by faulty nodes or conduction issues.

Systole

The phase of the heartbeat where the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood.

Diastole

The phase of the heartbeat where the heart muscle relaxes and fills with blood.

Autorhythmic cells

Cells in the heart that are capable of generating their own action potentials.

Gap junctions

Specialized connections that allow electrical signals to pass between cardiac muscle cells.

SA node

The pacemaker of the heart, located in the right atrium.

AV node

A node that receives impulses from the SA node and helps regulate heart rhythm.

Bundle of His

A collection of heart muscle cells that conducts electrical impulses from the AV node.

Pulse pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

QT Interval

The time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave, indicating ventricular systole.

Einthoven’s Triangle

A method of interpreting ECG recordings based on leads placed on the limbs.

Exercise's effect on heart activity

Exercise reduces diastolic time and changes the QT and TQ intervals.

Electrode placement

Required for obtaining accurate ECG readings and pulse measurements.

Pleximeter

A device used to measure the volume changes in blood flow.