1. I will understand how to read an Electrocardiogram (EKG)
MT: Cardiovascular System

2. ElectroKardioGram (EKG)

3. What is an EKG?
The electrocardiogram (EKG) is a representation of the electrical events (membrane potentials) of the cardiac cycle.
Can determine cardiac disease from reading an EKG

4. EKG Leads/electrodes
Leads are electrodes which measure the difference in electrical potential between two different points on the body.

5. Waveforms and Intervals

6. Reading the Phases of EKG
P Wave: depolarization of atria (left and right); SA node firing and passing through atria
QRS Complex: depolarization of ventricles and repolarization of atria
T Wave: repolarization of ventricles
U Wave: (sometimes absent) repolarization of Purkinje fibers

7. EKG 3 distinct waves are produced during cardiac cycle
P wave caused by atrial depolarization
QRS complex caused by ventricular depolarization
T wave results from ventricular repolarization
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8. Abnormalities in Heart Rate
Bradycardia: slow heart rate less than 60/min
Tachycardia: fast heart rate more than 100/min
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9. Abnormalities Detected on ECG
In fibrillation contraction of myocardial cells is uncoordinated & pumping ineffective
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