5 Step

EKG INTERPRETATION

Heart rate Rhythm P wave PR interval QRS

(in seconds) (in seconds)
60 -100/min Regular Present before 0.10 - 0.20 Normal shape
each QRS, identical (<5 small squares) < 0.12
P/QRS ratio 1:1

Heart Rate
8 x 10 = 80
1. Normal Sinus Rhythm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Rate - 60 -100
count the peaks - we have 8 here
multiply by 10 = 80 beats!

Rhythm

2. Rhythm - R peaks are evenly spaced apart. R R-R int. R R R R R R

To quickly measure this simply grab some

paper & mark 2 R peaks then just march it out.
The R peaks should be even every time.

P Wave
R R

3. P wave - which is our atria contracting -

is it present? & does it have its buddy QRS?
P T P T
we need a P with QRS every time
Q Q
S S

PR interval (in seconds)

R

4. PR interval - basically measures the 0.2 sec

time it takes between atrial contractions

0.5 mV
5 mm

& ventricular contractions should be 5 mini P

boxes or less - or .10 - 2.0 seconds here. PR int.

QRS (in seconds) R-R int.

0.2 sec

5. QRS - Ventricles contracting

0.5 mV
5 mm

PR ST
seg. seg.

Is it present, upright & TIGHT? P T

Should NOT be wide, should only be PR int. Q ST int.

S
3 boxes - .12 seconds here. QRS
int.
QT int.