|
       
|
The electrocardiogram is a recording of the hearts electrical activity. This electrical activity is picked up on the surface of the skin by attaching an electrode to the skin and connecting it to a machine that will display a representation of this activity. This can be displayed on an oscilloscope or printed on paper. A lead is a pair of electrodes that are used to get a view of the heart. For more sophisticated interpretation many leads are used to obtain multiple views of the heart. Typically, we select a lead that will provide the best possible view of the heart. Because of the way that impulses travel and are recorded, lead II is used for routine monitoring. Placement of electrodes is standardized to avoid confusion and to allow for serial recordings of the EKG.
An EKG recording is intended to provide a graphic display of the electrical activity of the heart. The pattern displayed is called the heart rhythm. There are two terms used to describe patterns of electrical activity in the heart, arrhythmia, and dysrhythmia. Technically speaking an arrhythmia is the absence of a rhythm and dysrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm. Most clinicians use the terms interchangeably.
There are five general rules for interpretation of an EKG. By following this five-step method, the healthcare provider can match the information to their "database" of information and recognize the pattern. Before you can use the five-step method, you should understand the various waves and how they are measured. |