What So My Ecg Numbers Mean (2024)

FAQs

What So My Ecg Numbers Mean? ›

Typically, the first number listed will be the heart rate. If that number is less than 60bpm, it is a bradycardic rate. More than 100bpm, then it's a tachycardic rate. A normal rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

If the test is normal, it should show that your heart is beating at an even rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. Many different heart conditions can show up on an ECG, including a fast, slow, or abnormal heart rhythm, a heart defect, coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or an enlarged heart.

What is an abnormal ECG result? An abnormal ECG result could mean anything from an abnormal heart rate, irregular rhythm, abnormal waveforms or abnormal intervals: 1. Abnormal heart rate: A heart rate that is faster or slower than what is considered normal could be a sign of atrial fibrillation.

Normal intervals

Normal range 120 – 200 ms (3 – 5 small squares on ECG paper). QRS duration (measured from first deflection of QRS complex to end of QRS complex at isoelectric line). Normal range up to 120 ms (3 small squares on ECG paper).

If you are suspicious of atrioventricular block (AV block), map out the atrial rate and the ventricular rhythm separately (i.e. mark the P waves and R waves). As you move along the rhythm strip, you can see if the PR interval changes, if QRS complexes are missing or if there is complete dissociation between the two.

For regular heart rhythms, heart rate can easily be estimated using the large squares (0.2s) on an ECG. Simply identify two consecutive R waves and count the number of large squares between them. By dividing this number into 300 (remember, this number represents 1 minute) we are able to calculate a person's heart rate.

By convention, the term "normal sinus rhythm" is taken to imply that not only are the P waves (reflecting activity of the sinus node itself) normal in morphology but that all other ECG measurements are also normal. Criteria therefore include: Normal heart rate (classically 60 to 100 beats per minute for an adult).

In comparison with Sinus rhythm, AF has no P wave as the SA node is not functioning. However, the atria generate up to 600 stimuli/min and each stimuli is picked up by the ECG machine. So, instead of a P wave, what you see is a number of small waves of differing sizes known as fibrillatory "F" waves.

An ECG is a great test to analyse heart signals and can directly or indirectly help spot heart blockages or artery issues.

Symptoms of heart failure

breathlessness after activity or at rest. feeling tired most of the time and finding exercise exhausting. feeling lightheaded or fainting. swollen ankles and legs.

Can ECG detect heart failure? ›

Tests for heart failure

an electrocardiogram (ECG) – this records the electrical activity of your heart to check for problems. an echocardiogram – a type of ultrasound scan where sound waves are used to examine your heart.

Normal ECG obtained from ECG heart monitor looks like a smooth curve. The distance between each spike is almost constant. Each spike represents one whole heartbeat, the distance between spikes represents your heart rate.

A key aspect of interpreting ECG results is identifying normal versus abnormal patterns. A normal ECG showcases consistent wave shapes and intervals, indicating a healthy heart rhythm. Deviations from these norms may indicate potential issues, such as arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities.

The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is confirmed with a standard 12-lead ECG. P waves are absent, coarse “fibrillatory waves” can frequently be seen and sometimes no atrial activity can be identified. The QRS complexes are “irregularly irregular”, with varying R-R intervals.

The squiggly lines on an electrocardiogram (ECG) are named P, Q, R, S and T. When the line between Q and T is a little too long, it suggests that the heart is not recharging quickly enough. Hence, you have Long QT. However, we are talking about milliseconds, so don't go trying to figure this out on your own!