ECG Analysis Basics

• Types of ECG devices examples:

  • standard ECG using electrodes - can be measured at rest or on exercise, trying to aggravate symptoms
  • can use apps on phones now, in conjunction with other devices, to analyse electrical activity of the heart
  • holter monitor - measures electrical activity of the heart over a 24 hour period
• ECG lead placement:

  • there are 10 leads, but they provide 12 view points

  
• Basic Analysis in order:

  1. what is the rate
  2. is it regular
  3. is there a clear single P, a QRS complex and a T
  4. if present, is the P normal
  5. if present, is the PR interval normal
  6. if present, is the QRS complex normal
  7. is there any elevation or depression of the ST segment
• Waves on ECG:

  • P wave = atrial depolarisation
  • PR interval = how long it takes impulse to go from SA node to AV node
  • QRS complex = ventricular depolarisation
  • T wave = repolarisation
  • ST segment = time taken between ventricular depolarisation and repolarisation