An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a device that records the electrical signal from the heart and is used as one of several diagnostic tests for cardiovascular conditions. Doctors also order ECG heart monitor line to evaluate a person’s heart function to determine whether their heart disease has aggravated or not.
After all, ECG is a representation of the heart muscle’s electrical activity, and it changes with time.
Although it seems complicated, reading the ECG heart monitor line is quite simple, and we’re going to guide you through it in this post.
Thorough Patient Evaluation
Patients usually need to answer various questions before a doctor orders an ECG to diagnose a certain condition or to determine whether it’s worsened. The primary intent behind these questions isn’t to be intrusive, but to learn more about the patient and their general health status, lifestyle. Reading the ECG analysis isn’t enough on its own. What’s normal for an athlete may not be good for someone whose lifestyle is sedentary.
Understand Normal Values
Normal heart rhythm contains:
Proper ECG interpretation also depends on understanding the following:
When it comes to heart rate itself, the following rules apply:
Follow Simple Rules
Reading ECG waves labeled on the paper, and all the values are not as difficult as it seems. This simple 12 lead ECG protocol can help you out:
Determine the Cardiac Axis
The cardiac axis represents the overall direction of the electrical spread within a person’s heart. In healthy people, the axis spreads from 11 o’clock to 5 o’clock. For this purpose, leads I, II, and III are used.
The normal cardiac axis is indicated by lead II having the most positive deflection.
Right axis deviation occurs when lead III has the most positive deflection and lead I is negative. On the other hand, left axis deviation is represented by lead I as the most positive deflection. While leads II and III are negative.
Analyze PR Interval
The PR interval is measured in units of time. It represents the time from the onset of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex. The normal PR interval value should be between 120 and 200 ms (3 to 5 small squares).
When analyzing the PR interval, you need to bear in mind the following values:
Conclusion
Reading the ECG heart monitor line is easier than it looks. It’s important to learn what waves and values represent.
Then, you can determine if the results indicate normal heart function or potential disruptions.
Besides these values, it’s also important to assess lifestyle, daily habits, medical history, and other factors. In order to help doctors paint a more detailed picture.
Speaking of help, personal ECG devices are beneficial tools for you and your doctor. These solutions allow you to measure your ECG on your own and see results on your phone outside a medical institution. Personal ECG increases the chances to detect any abnormalities and act timely. In addition, part of them monitors other factors that impact your ECG. Thereby, letting you understand the causes and build a more effective treatment plan.
Having a piece of paper and pen to track heart monitor line waves and values for potential depressions and elevations or other irregularities is a practical way to understand what ECG results mean.
Originally published at https://www.upolife.com
