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Ecg

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that measures the heart's electrical activity to assess rhythm and detect abnormalities. It is used for diagnosing arrhythmias, monitoring cardiac function, and identifying structural abnormalities, among other purposes. Understanding the PQRST complex and its clinical implications is crucial for early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases.

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Subham Nag
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6 views3 pages

Ecg

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that measures the heart's electrical activity to assess rhythm and detect abnormalities. It is used for diagnosing arrhythmias, monitoring cardiac function, and identifying structural abnormalities, among other purposes. Understanding the PQRST complex and its clinical implications is crucial for early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases.

Uploaded by

Subham Nag
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Introduction
• Full Name: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• Definition: A non-invasive diagnostic tool used to measure the electrical activity of
the heart over time, represented as a graph of voltage versus time.
• Purpose: To assess heart rhythm, electrical conduction, and detect cardiac
abnormalities.

Uses of ECG
1. Diagnosis of Arrhythmias:
– Atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, etc.
2. Detection of Ischemic Heart Disease:
– Myocardial infarction (ST-elevation, T-wave inversion).
3. Monitoring Cardiac Function:
– After surgery or during critical care.
4. Electrolyte Imbalance:
– Hyperkalemia or hypokalemia causing characteristic ECG changes.
5. Structural Abnormalities:
– Left ventricular hypertrophy, bundle branch blocks.
6. Drug Monitoring:
– Effects of antiarrhythmic drugs or toxicities.

Graph of the PQRST Complex


Labeling of the ECG Waves
1. P Wave:
– Represents atrial depolarization.
– Duration: 0.08–0.10 seconds.
2. PR Interval:
– Represents the conduction time from the atria to the ventricles (via the AV
node).
– Normal Duration: 0.12–0.20 seconds.
3. QRS Complex:
– Represents ventricular depolarization.
– Normal Duration: 0.06–0.10 seconds.
4. ST Segment:
– Represents the isoelectric period when ventricles are depolarized.
5. T Wave:
– Represents ventricular repolarization.
6. QT Interval:
– Represents the total time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
– Normal Duration: 0.36–0.44 seconds.

Illustration
A typical ECG graph with the following labeled components:
• P Wave: Atrial depolarization.
• QRS Complex: Ventricular depolarization.
• T Wave: Ventricular repolarization.
• PR Interval, ST Segment, and QT Interval.

Clinical Conditions Related to Abnormal PQRST Waves


1. P Wave Abnormalities
• Absent P Wave: Atrial fibrillation.
• Peaked P Wave: Right atrial enlargement.
• Prolonged PR Interval: First-degree AV block.

2. QRS Complex Abnormalities


• Wide QRS Complex:
– Ventricular tachycardia.
– Bundle branch block.
• Deep Q Wave:
– Indicates previous myocardial infarction.
• High QRS Voltage:
– Left ventricular hypertrophy.

3. ST Segment Abnormalities
• ST Elevation:
– Acute myocardial infarction.
• ST Depression:
– Ischemia or hypokalemia.

4. T Wave Abnormalities
• Inverted T Wave:
– Myocardial ischemia or left ventricular hypertrophy.
• Peaked T Wave:
– Hyperkalemia.

5. QT Interval Abnormalities
• Prolonged QT Interval:
– Risk of torsades de pointes (life-threatening arrhythmia).
– Caused by hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, or certain medications.
• Shortened QT Interval:
– Hypercalcemia.

Conclusion
The ECG is an indispensable diagnostic tool for evaluating cardiac function and detecting
abnormalities. A thorough understanding of the PQRST complex and its clinical
implications aids in the early detection and management of cardiovascular diseases.

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