
V5: 5th ICS, at the anterior axillary line (same level as V4).V6: 5th ICS, mid-axillary line (same level as V4).V4: 5th ICS, at the mid-clavicular line.V2: 4th ICS, along the left sternal border.V1: at the 4th intercostal space (ICS), on the right sternal border.The limb leads look at the heart from a vertical perspective the V leads show a horizontal perspective. There are six limb (I, II, III, AVR, AVL, AVF) leads and six precordial (V1-V6) leads. Think of each lead as a different snapshot of the heart you are trying to interpret. The twelve leads show the electrical current through the heart from different planes. Right atrium and cavity of left ventricle Normal 12-Lead EKG/ECG Values Wave/IntervalĪmplitude: 2-2.5 mm high (Or 2.5 squares) Deflection: + in I, II, AVF, V2-V6 Duration: 0.06 - 0.12 secĪmplitude: 5-30 mm high Deflection: + in I, II, III, AVL, AVF, V4-V6 Duration: 0.06 - 0.10 secĪmplitude: 0.5 mm in limb leads Deflection: I, II, V3-V6 Duration: 0.1 - 0.25 sec (Or greater) Duration: How long it is, as measured by squares going horizontal⁴.Deflection: Which lead on the patient it’s coming from.Amplitude: This measures the voltage of the beat and is determined by how high the wave reaches, as measured by each square vertically on the chart.A normal heart rhythm contains a P wave, a QRS, and a T wave.³ Knowing the normal amplitude, deflection, and duration of each component is essential to accurate rhythm and EKG/ECG interpretation. Know Your Normalsĭon’t sweat all the complex details when you are first beginning to read and interpret EKGs. A heart rate of 38 can be normal in an athlete.¹ But it also can require an immediate pacemaker insertion if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, and an EKG/ECG interpretation of third-degree heart block.² 2. Looking at a sheet of paper with a tracing on it does not provide enough information. Are you feeling nauseous, dizzy, lightheaded, or tired?.Have they ever been diagnosed with a heart condition?.What is their baseline physical activity?.Do they have underlying heart conditions?.Is your patient talking to you, or are they struggling to catch their breath?.Do you smoke, or have you ever smoked? If so, how many packs per day?.Would you describe it as more of a dull pressure or squeezing or more of a sharp, stabbing, or.When does the pain usually occur – morning, afternoon, or night?.Are they having chest or referred (arm) pain?.
#Cardiograph definition skin#
Is the patient’s skin warm and dry, or is it damp and clammy?.This must come first! There are many clues you can learn when obtaining the EKG that will help you analyze and act on what you see. How do you know when you need to act immediately or can wait for expert consultation? Here are seven tips to help you gain confidence in interpreting what you see.
#Cardiograph definition how to#
> Related: How to Become an EKG Technician How to Read an EKG/ECG They are often used to diagnose heart problems in combination with an echocardiogram or echo.

The EKG/ECG is a printed capture of a brief moment in time.ĮKGs can be used to diagnose heart attacks, heart problems including electrical malfunctioning, and other heart problems. An EKG/ECG is a representation of the electrical activity of the heart muscle as it changes with time, usually printed on paper for easier analysis. Before interpreting an EKG, it is important to know what an EKG is and its importance.
