Download Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• Composite reading of
many action potentials
• P wave: atrial
depolarization
• QRS complex: AV
node fires, ventricular
depolarization
• T wave: ventricular
repolarization
• U wave: not always
seen – repolarization
of papillary muscles or
Perkinje fibers
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)
• PR interval: condition of
coordination between
atrial and ventricular
conduction systems.
• QRS interval: condition
of ventricular conduction
system.
• QT interval: total
condition of ventricles
Electrode Placement
EKG abnormalities can be
evidence of:
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Heart enlargement
Insufficient BF to the heart
Heart attack
Arrhythmias
Electrolyte imbalances
Pericarditis (inflammation of
pericardium)
• Hypertrophy – thickened walls of heart
Abnormal EKG’s
Myocardial Infarction
Other medical uses of the EKG:
• Monitor effectiveness or side effects
of medications
• Check on function of mechanical devices
such as pacemakers.