Reading EKG Training
Our Reading EKG Lessons and Reference Guides provide basic training for EKG analysis as well as a quick reference guide for over 40 types of ECG tracings. The arrhythmia drills and quizzes allow you to practice EKG interpretation.
What is an EKG?
An electrocardiogram or EKG, records electrical activity in the heart. An machine records these electrical signals across multiple heart beats and produces an EKG strip that is interpreted by a healthcare professional.
Reading EKGs - How to
To briefly summarize the features used in reading EKGs, they consist of waveform components which indicate electrical events during one heart beat. These waveforms are labeled P, Q, R, S, T and U.
P wave is the first short upward movement of the EKG tracing. It indicates that the atria are contracting, pumping blood into the ventricles.
The QRS complex, normally beginning with a downward deflection, Q; a larger upwards deflection, a peak (R); and then a downwards S wave. The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization and contraction.
The PR interval indicates the transit time for the electrical signal to travel from the sinus node to the ventricles.
T wave is normally a modest upwards waveform representing ventricular repolarization.