If you are wondering on how just to read an EKG, the following steps will give you a basic understanding of the parts of an EKG and tips on where to go to learn more.
EKG basically stands for electrocardiogram. An EKG is noninvasive and is performed using electrodes that are placed in various positions on the chest over the area of the heart. These electrodes are then hooked up to wires (called "leads") attached to an EKG machine.
EKGs are used to get information about a patient's heart rate and rhythm, because it shows the electrical activity of the heart over a particular period of time. It is useful to identify any electrical issues and abnormalities like arrhythmia and heart attacks but cannot show blood flow—ultrasound is better suited for that.
Check with local hospitals, university extension courses or nursing schools for classes on how to learn to read EKGs. Some classes have prerequisites or are part of a larger course, like ACLS certification (advanced cardiac life support), so be sure to find the class that is right for you.
Know EKG paper is designed as a grid. Time is measured along the horizontal axis. The small squares are 1 millimeter in length. Each small square represents .04 seconds. The larger square is made up of 5 small squares. It is 5 mm long and represents .2 seconds.
Recognize voltage of the heart is measured along the vertical axis. Ten millimeters equals 1 mV.
Know ECG record of a cardiac cycle (also known as a normal heartbeat) consists of a P wave, QRS complex and T wave. The P wave represents normal atrial depolarization (electrical activation of myocardium). The QRS wave represents ventricular depolarization. The T wave represents ventricular repolarization.
Determine the heart rate. On an ECG paper, measure the interval from consecutive R-R waves and divide that number by 60. This will give you the heart rate. Normal heart rate for an adult is between 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Determine the rhythm. Observe the consecutive rhythms to determine if the rhythm is regular or irregular. If it is irregular, then an arrhythmia may be present.
Determine the PQRST intervals. The PR interval is the AV conduction time. The normal duration time is .12 to .20 seconds. The QT interval is representative of depolarization and repolarization. The normal value is 0.30 to 0.44 seconds. Women may be slightly higher. The ST segment is indicative or early ventricular repolarization and has duration of 0.08 to 0.12 seconds.
Now, this following guide applies now for the physicians themselves. Just in case they’re thinking what is the recommended EKG Machines available in the market today as being used by most doctors and medical hospitals or clinics? There is a website called EKGShop.Com site that suggests this particular brand called Burdick EKG Machine and with this particular device called as Burdick Eclipse LE.
As a refurbished EKG Machine, EKGShop.Com offers a 90-day warranty for this Burdick Eclipse LE.
This said EKG Machine has up to $30 reimbursement per test. This ECG Machine has a multi-channel ECG recorder in a compact design. It also has a bright, backlit three-channel LCD preview screen.
Burdick Eclipse LE is an interpretive with measurements, aside from the full 8.5" x 11" reports. This EKG also has three, four and six channel report formats and full alphanumeric keyboard.
Additional features includes the single-button initiation of ECG, battery or AC operation, patient ID#, Age, Sex, Race, Medications, Clinical Classification, Location, Lead Markings and Acquisition parameters annotated on strip.
This ECG Machines also have the SCP-ECG and Fax transmission options, compatible with the FAA system. And it has a storage option for 40 ECGs and while also having the exercise stress upgrades option.
Moreover, if you buy EKG on our website (www.ekgshop.com), we offer a 3-year manufacturers warranty. You can also avail for a 1 year extended warranty which is available for $ 199 only. Extended warranty plans available including free loaners and our exclusive Rapid Response Service.
For more info regarding this brand, you may visit the link below:
http://www.ekgshop.com/Product/Eclipse-LE.html
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