Are you ready to decode the heartbeat? Let’s dive deep and understand the lines and curves on EKG. EKG or ECG is the quickest way to measure the electrical activity of the heartbeat. What is PQRST wave? It is the graphical representation of electrical activity of the heart that is shown in EKG (electrocardiogram). Let’s break down the PQRST wave!
What is electrocardiography?
Electrocardiography is the process that records your heart’s electrical activity. The EKG recording looks like wavy lines. These lines indicate whether the heart is properly functioning or not. The EKG or ECG shows the following:
- The rate of the heartbeat, i.e., how fast the heart is beating.
- The rhythm of the heartbeat i.e., is whether the heartbeat is regular or not.
- Timming and strength of the electrical impulses that pass through the heart.
It is important to know that EKG or ECG helps in diagnosing different heart conditions such as arrythmia, blocked or narrow arteries, heart failure, cardiac arrest etc.
Components of EKG waves
In EKG four main types of waves are seen which are known as PQRST waves. Let’s break that down and understand each one of them.
P- Wave
It is a small, rounded wave that reflects the depolarization of the Atria. The electric impulse
QRS Complex
This shows the depolarization of the ventricle, and it consists of 3 waves:
- Q wave: A small downward deflection.
- R wave: A tall upward deflection.
- S wave: Downward deflection following the R wave.
ST-Wave
This is a flat line between QRST complex and T wave which represents the early part of ventricular polarization.
T -Wave
It represents ventricle repolarization and recovery phase. This means that the ventricles return to their resting face after contraction.
Summary of the PQRST Wave
- P Wave: Atrial depolarization i.e., atrial contraction
- QRS Complex: Ventricular depolarization i.e., ventricular contraction
- T Wave: Ventricular repolarization i.e., ventricular relaxation.
The timings and the shapes of the waves indicate the issues in the heart.
How to determine PQRST wave?
PQRST Wave consists of segments each correspond to the specific part of the heart electrical cycle. Here is how to analyze the PQRST EKG strip.
Examine P Wave:
It represents atrial depolarization. It should be smooth and rounded and normally lasts 0.08 -0.12 seconds.
Measure the PR interval:
Starting from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of QRS Complex indicates the time of electrical impulse that travels from Atria to the ventricles. The normal duration is between 0.12 to 0.20 seconds.
Examine QRS Complex:
The QRS Complex represents ventricle depolarization. The shape is sharp and narrow and normally lasts 0.06 to 0.12 seconds.
Check the ST segment:
This represent when the ventricles are depolarized and there is no electrical activity. This should be flat.
Analyze the T Wave:
T Wave represents ventricular repolarization, and it should not be too tall or too flat as compared to the base line.
Check QT interval:
The represent the total time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization and duration typically ranges between 0.36 and 0.44 seconds.
Check the rhythm if it is regular or not.
Things to Remember
- P wave indicates atrial depolarization.
- The PR interval is the amount of time it takes for the atria to reach the ventricles.
- QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization.
- ST segment represents a time of no electrical activity in the ventricles.
- T wave indicates ventricular repolarization.
- The QT interval is defined as the entire time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
What is PQRST measurement in ECG?
The term PQRST measurement is related to ECG or EKG which measure the hearts electrical activity. The typical measurements in ECG are as follows:
- PR interval: 120-200 milliseconds
- QRS duration: 60-100 milliseconds
- QT interval: 350-450 milliseconds
- RR interval: 60-100 beats per minute.
Conclusion:
In order to evaluate the heart’s electrical activity, it is important to understand the PQRST wave. Healthcare professionals can diagnose wide range of heart conditions by analyzing these PQRST waves and their respective intervals.in this blog we have given you step by step guide into understanding the EKG or ECG (Electrocardiography) and PQRST wave.
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