An EKG also known as an ECG, is a vital tool in the clinical practice, especially for nurses and any health care givers who deal with patients. While it may seem complicated at first glance, it is relatively simple to understand how the signals are interpreted and thus, how the EKG/ECG is performed and how to read an ECG. Here is a short and easy-to-read guide to make it easier for you to read.
Understanding EKG vs. ECG
First, it is necessary to notice that EKG and ECG are opposite names of the same device used to monitor heart activity. Both terms refer to the same procedure: recordings of the fluctuations of the cardiac electrical signals. In Germany, it is called an Elektrokardiogramm, abbreviated as EKG; in England, it is called an electrocardiogram, abbreviated as ECG.
What is an ECG/EKG?
An ECG captures the electrical signal of the heart muscles within a certain time and it is displayed on an electrocardiograph paper. This tool is imperative in the diagnosis of different problems with the heart including irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and other complications.
By far, the most common and well-rounded method, called a standard 12-lead EKG is the most frequently used technique in the clinical environment due to its ability to give a complete picture of the heart’s electrical function from various perspectives.
Steps to Reading an ECG/EKG
Assess the Patient:
Evaluate the Patient, First of all, evaluate patient’s condition without looking at the EKG. The staff should check their skin color, temperature, and whether they are complaining of any symptoms ranging from chest pains, shortness of breath, or dizziness. These observations will be used while reviewing EKG results.
Understand the Basics of a Normal EKG:
A normal EKG has the following patterns: the P wave, the QRS complex and the T wave. You must become familiar with these components and the normal ranges of each of them so as to be able to distinguish an abnormality. For instance:
- P Wave: Indicates atrial contraction.
- QRS Complex: Represents ventricular contraction.
- T Wave: Reflects the ventricles resetting.
Use a Systematic Approach:
Conduct the analysis using a systematic approach. Always maintain coherence when reading EKGs. First, look at the pulse and rhythm of the heart. Is the frequency of the publicity daily or on and off? Is there tachycardia or bradycardia? The heart rate too high or too low? These are important factors that are used in evaluating whether a rhythm is normal or not.
Determine Heart Rate:
Determine Heart Rate To calculate the heart rate from an EKG:
- To calculate this value, count the number of large squares from the R wave peak to the next R wave peak.
- Divide 300 by this number to get an estimate of the heart rate in beats per minute.
- For irregular rhythms, the number of QRS complexes per 6 seconds is counted and then multiplied by 10 to estimate the heart rate.
Identify the Cardiac Axis:
The cardiac axis is defined as the general orientation of the electrical impulses in the heart. This can identify the position and orientation of the heart as well as determine some of the diseases affecting the heart.
Recognize Lethal Rhythms:
Some rhythms can be immediately life-threatening. These include:
Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib):
Ectopic impulses from the atria cause rapid and irregular contractions, which may cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach):
A rapid heart rate that is coming from the ventricles can also be fatal if the cause is not treated.
Conclusion
EKG interpretation is more of an invoking experience and the important steps outlined above will provide you with a good grounding. First, evaluate your patient and then, follow this article’s outlined approach to analyze the EKG. Understanding what is normal and what is not will assist you in knowing when something requires urgent attention. Eventually, reading an EKG can be simple along with being a great addition to every medical professional’s skill set.
