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Questions and Answers
What does the abbreviation ECG stand for?
What does the abbreviation ECG stand for?
What is the time duration represented by one small square on an ECG paper?
What is the time duration represented by one small square on an ECG paper?
Which of the following is NOT a function of an ECG?
Which of the following is NOT a function of an ECG?
What is the electrical potential represented by ten small squares on an ECG paper?
What is the electrical potential represented by ten small squares on an ECG paper?
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What is the primary function of the electrodes used in ECG?
What is the primary function of the electrodes used in ECG?
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What is the significance of the 'P wave' in an ECG?
What is the significance of the 'P wave' in an ECG?
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Which of the following components of an ECG is used to determine the duration of ventricular depolarization?
Which of the following components of an ECG is used to determine the duration of ventricular depolarization?
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What is the primary advantage of using a 12-lead ECG system?
What is the primary advantage of using a 12-lead ECG system?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a normal ECG?
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a normal ECG?
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Why is the speed of paper movement in an ECG set at 25 mm per second?
Why is the speed of paper movement in an ECG set at 25 mm per second?
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Study Notes
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- ECG is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart on a graph paper.
- Alternatively, it's a graphical representation of the heart's electrical activity.
- ECG is an acronym for ElectroCardioGraphy.
- The word originates from:
- Electro (Greek for electricity)
- Cardio (Greek for heart)
- Graph (Greek root meaning "to write")
Heart Conduction System
- The heart's electrical activity is depicted by the ECG.
- Components of the system include:
- SA Node
- Interatrial Pathways
- AV Node
- Bundle of His
- Bundle Branches
- Purkinje Fibers
Significance of ECG
- ECG provides information about the heart rate and rhythm.
- It aids in diagnosing various heart conditions like:
- Hypertrophy
- Ischemia
- Infarction
- Arrhythmias
- Conduction problems
- Pacemaker activity
- However, ECG does not assess mechanical activity of the heart.
ECG Paper
- ECG paper is a long strip of paper with small squares.
- Each square measures 1mm by 1mm.
- Thick lines, called major divisions separate smaller squares.
- Five small squares sit between major divisions on ECG paper.
- The speed of the ECG machine is 25mm per second.
- The time duration of one small square on the ECG paper is 0.04 seconds.
ECG Paper Dimensions
- One millimetre (mm) horizontally represents 0.04 seconds.
- One millimetre (mm) vertically represents 0.1 millivolts (mV).
- Horizontally, 5mm = 0.20 seconds.
ECG Waves and Intervals
- The electrical activity is characterized by five primary wave deflections (P, Q, R, S, and T), which represent different stages of the heart's cycle.
- Various segments (e.g., PR, ST) and intervals (e.g., PR, QT) between these waves also provide diagnostic detail.
ECG Leads
- Leads are electrodes that record the electrical potential of the heart at different sites.
- There are 12 ECG leads:
- 3 Bipolar Limb Leads (e.g., I, II, III)
- 3 Augmented Limb Leads (e.g., aVR, aVL, aVF)
- 6 Chest Leads (V1 to V6)
Anatomical Groups of Leads
- Leads are categorized by their anatomical location on the heart these group leads into:
- Inferior leads
- Septal leads
- Anterior leads
- Lateral leads
Examples of ECG Rhythms
- Normal Sinus Rhythm, Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Fibrillation, ST Elevation and ST Depression
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Description
Test your knowledge of Electrocardiograms (ECG) and the heart's conduction system. This quiz covers the components of ECG, its significance, and the interpretation of ECG readings. Perfect for students studying cardiology or anyone interested in heart health.
