The Process - ECG Rhythm Analysis

One way to analyze ECG rhythms is to be consistent in your methodology. I find that I first identify rhythm regularity, then heart rate, then the presence and characteristics of P-waves, then the P-R interval duration, then the presence and characteristics of QRS complex, and finally the QRS duration.

The following process can be used to help you analyze ECG rhythms.You can access the ECG Analysis Worksheet to use as you work through this Cardiac Arrhythmia WebQuest.

1. Rhythm
   - Determine atrial rhythm or regularity
   - Determine ventricular rhythm or regularity
   
   
2. Determine heart rate - A & V Analyze P wave
   - present or absent
   - characteristics - upright, inverted, rounded
   - P:QRS ratio
   
   
3. Measure P-R interval
   
   
4. Analyze QRS Complex
   - present or absent
   - characteristics - upright, inverted, rounded
   - P:QRS ratio
   
   
5. Measure QRS Duration
   
   
6. Interpret cardiac rhythm