About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding ECG Heart Rhythms
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. By analyzing the heart's electrical signals, doctors can detect various heart rhythms – normal and abnormal.
Normal ECG Heart Rhythm
The normal heart rhythm is called sinus rhythm. It consists of a regular pattern of P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves, indicating that the heart's electrical system is functioning correctly.
Basic Components of an ECG:
- P wave: Represents atrial depolarization (atrial contraction)
- QRS complex: Represents ventricular depolarization (ventricular contraction)
- T wave: Represents ventricular repolarization (ventricular recovery)
Common Abnormal ECG Heart Rhythms
1. Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
- Sinus bradycardia: Heart rate below 60 beats per minute
- AV block (heart block): Delayed or blocked electrical signals
2. Tachycardia (Fast Heart Rate)
- Sinus tachycardia: Heart rate above 100 beats per minute
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib): Irregular, chaotic rhythm originating in the atria, increasing stroke risk
- Ventricular tachycardia: Rapid rhythm originating from the ventricles, requiring urgent treatment
3. Irregular Rhythms
- Atrial flutter: Rapid atrial contractions with a saw-tooth pattern on ECG
- Premature beats (PACs/PVCs): Extra beats arising from atria (PACs) or ventricles (PVCs)
- Ventricular fibrillation (VFib): Life-threatening disorganized rhythm that requires immediate defibrillation
Importance of ECG Interpretation
Interpreting an ECG requires comparing clinical symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. Abnormal rhythms may indicate underlying conditions like heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or effects of certain medications.
Conclusion
ECG heart rhythms provide valuable information about heart function. Routine ECGs can help in early detection of heart disorders, guiding proper treatment to prevent complications like stroke, heart failure, and cardiac arrest.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on ECG Interpretation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191095
- https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/affiliates/mwa/kansas-city/kc-cardiac-and-stroke-symposium/2020-event-documents/cardiac-presentations/2-ecg-hockstad.pdf?la=en
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191098
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.