Ecg
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Introduction to ECG
• An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the electrical activity of
the heart over time.
• It is a vital diagnostic tool in cardiology for detecting
abnormal heart rhythms and other cardiac conditions.
• Understanding ECG basics is essential for healthcare
professionals involved in cardiac care.
Anatomy of the Heart's Electrical System
• The heart's electrical conduction system includes the
sinoatrial (SA) node, atrioventricular (AV) node, bundle of
His, and Purkinje fibers.
• These structures coordinate the heart's contractions,
ensuring effective blood pumping.
• Disruptions in this system can lead to arrhythmias
detectable on an ECG.
Components of an ECG Waveform
• The main components are the P wave, QRS complex, and T
wave.
• The P wave represents atrial depolarization, while the QRS
complex indicates ventricular depolarization.
• The T wave shows ventricular repolarization, completing
the cardiac electrical cycle.
How an ECG Is Performed
• Electrodes are placed on the patient's skin at specific
locations to detect electrical signals.
• The signals are transmitted to an ECG machine that records
them as a waveform.
• Proper skin preparation and electrode placement are crucial
for accurate readings.
Standard ECG Leads and Views
• The 12-lead ECG provides multiple perspectives of the
heart's electrical activity.
• Leads are categorized into limb leads, chest (precordial)
leads, and augmented leads.
• Each lead offers unique information about different regions
of the heart.
Normal ECG Parameters
• Normal heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
• The P wave, QRS duration, and T wave have specific normal
ranges in duration and amplitude.
• Recognizing normal patterns is essential for identifying
abnormalities.
Common ECG Abnormalities
• Arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular
tachycardia can be identified on ECG.
• Ischemic changes, like ST segment elevation or depression,
indicate possible myocardial infarction.
• Other abnormalities include conduction blocks and
electrolyte disturbances.
Clinical Applications of ECG
• ECG is used in diagnosing arrhythmias and ischemic heart
disease.
• It helps monitor cardiac effects of medications and assess
pacemaker function.
• ECG is also valuable in preoperative evaluations and
emergency settings.
Limitations and Considerations
• ECG may not detect all cardiac conditions, especially
structural abnormalities.
• Artifacts from patient movement or poor electrode contact
can interfere with readings.
• Interpretation should always be correlated with clinical
findings and additional tests.
Summary and Future Directions
• ECG remains a fundamental, non-invasive cardiac
diagnostic tool worldwide.
• Advances like computerized interpretation and wearable
devices are expanding its capabilities.
• Ongoing research aims to improve accuracy, accessibility,
and integration with other diagnostic modalities.
