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ECG:

Also known as an electrocardiogram or an EKG, an ECG is a test that


detects and records the strength and timing of the electrical activity in your heart.
This information is recorded on a graph that shows each phase of the electrical
signal as it travels through your heart.

P wave

The electrical signal begins in the sinoatrial node (1) which is located in
the right atrium and travels to the right and left atria, causing them to contract and
pump blood into the ventricles. This electrical signal is recorded as the P wave
on the ECG.

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PR Interval:

The PR Interval is the time, in seconds, from the beginning of the P wave
to the beginning of the QRS complex.

The electrical signal passes from the atria to the ventricles through the
atrioventricular (AV) node (2). The signal slows down as it passes through this
node, allowing the ventricles to fill with blood. This slowing signal appears as a
flat line on the ECG between the end of the P wave and the beginning of the Q
wave. The PR segment represents the electrical conduction through the atria and
the delay of the electrical impulse in the atrioventricular node.

QRS complex:

After the signal leaves the AV node it travels along a pathway called the
bundle of His (3) and into the right and left bundle branches (4, 5). The signal
travels across the heart’s ventricles causing them to contract, pumping blood to
the lungs and the body. This signal is recorded as the QRS waves on the ECG.
Because these waves occur in rapid succession they are usually considered
together as the QRS complex.

T wave:

The ventricles then recover to their normal electrical state, shown as the T
wave. The muscles relax and stop contracting, allowing the atria to fill with blood
and the entire process repeats with each heartbeat.

ST segment:

The ST segment connects the QRS complex and the T wave and represents
the beginning of the electrical recovery of the ventricles.

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QT interval:

The QT interval represents the time during which the ventricles are
stimulated and recover after the stimulation. This interval shortens at a faster heart
rate and lengthens at a slower heart rate.

ECG WAVE:

ECG:

An electrocardiogram (ECG) represents the electrical current moving


through the heart during a heartbeat. The current's movement is divided into
parts, and each part is given an alphabetic designation in the ECG.

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P wave

Each heartbeat begins with an impulse from the heart's pacemaker (sinus
or sinoatrial node). This impulse activates the upper chambers of the heart
(atria). The P wave represents activation of the atria.

QRS complex

Next, the electrical current flows down to the lower chambers of the heart
(ventricles). The QRS complex represents activation of the ventricles.

T wave

The electrical current then spreads back over the ventricles in the
opposite direction. This activity is called the recovery wave, which is
represented by the T wave.

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Electrocardiography (ECG) waves:

 P wave = activation (depolarization) of atria.


 PR interval = time interval between onset of atrial depolarization and
onset of ventricular depolarization.
 QRS complex = depolarization of ventricles, consisting of the Q, R, and
S waves.
 QT interval = time interval between onset of ventricular depolarization
and end of ventricular repolarization.
 R-R interval = time interval between 2 QRS complexes.
 T wave = ventricular repolarization.
 ST segment plus T wave (ST-T) = ventricular repolarization. U
wave = probably after-depolarization (relaxation) of ventricles.

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Abnormalities seen on an ECG:

Many kinds of abnormalities can often be seen on an ECG. They include


a previous heart attack (myocardial infarction), an abnormal heart rhythm
(arrhythmia), an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the heart (ischemia),
and excessive thickening (hypertrophy) of the heart's muscular walls.

Certain abnormalities seen on an ECG can also suggest bulges


(aneurysms) that develop in weak areas of the heart's walls. Aneurysms may
result from a heart attack. If the rhythm is abnormal (too fast, too slow, or
irregular), the ECG may also indicate where in the heart the abnormal rhythm
starts. Such information helps doctors begin to determine the cause and the most
appropriate treatment.

Source:

https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-jp/home/multimedia/figure/cvs_ecg_reading

https://www.alivecor.com/education/ecg.html

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