ECG cheat sheet for interpretation PDF

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Summary

ECG/EKG interpretation notes, descriptions, parameters, and pictures...

Description

Horizontal axis = How fast and frequently things are happening Ex: Polarization = Where is the electrical impulse going (direction of wave, up or down) and how fast (across more squares = slower) 5 little squares = 1 big square 5 big squares = 1 second Full page is usually 6 seconds Polarization = Where is the electrical impulse going (direction of wave) and how fast (more squares = slower) Vertical axis = Voltage, how strongly things are happening/ how MUCH electricity and response (Taller peaks = higher voltage) Methods to calculate rate: 1.

Count how many QRS complexes present in a 6 second period (30 big squares or 3 hashmarks) x 10 = HR Ex: 6.5 QRS present x 10 = 65 HR 65

2.

300 divided by the number of large squares between R peaks (R-R interval) Ex: 5 squares = 300 / 5 = 60 HR 60 Ex: 2 squares = 300 / 2 = 150 HR 150

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Using 300 method, we can determine the rate and regularity. If there is the same number of squares between each pair of peaks, it is regular. If there is a different number between each pair of peaks, the heartbeat is irregular. If using small squares, > 3 small square difference = irregular, difference of less than 3 = regular Irregular:

Regular:

Atrial Depolarization - Denoted by the p wave followed by QRS complex. Distance between P and R waves (PR interval) should be 0.12 to 0.20 sec. (Start at P upswing count to Upswing of R wave) QRS complex -

Should follow P wave. Should be less than 0.12 Normal Sinus rhythm: 60 – 100 BPM w/regular rhythm, P waves before each QRS should look almost identical, PR interval .12 - .20, QRS 100 BPM w/regular rhythm, P waves before each QRS should look almost identical, PR interval .12 - .20, QRS...