An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test for the heart that is painless, noninvasive and over in minutes. This test provides vital information on how effective your heart is pumping blood through your body. The EKG machine monitors the electrical activity of your heart through a series of waves or peaks; "P" (atrial), "QRS" (ventricle) and "T" (rest) each indicating a different part of the contracting heart. Stay relaxed for an effective test. It is recommended to have an EKG test done prior to the need, such as a heart attack, because this will provide a base line to compare a test done when a medical need necessitates. If you are uncertain of the readings, consult a medical professional.
Instructions
1. Find a diagram of the heart to aid in understanding your test (See Resources). Knowing how the heart functions and seeing the diagram will help you understand the results of your test. The electrical impulse emitted from the right atrial chamber to the left (upper chambers) tells this part of the heart to contract. This pushes down on the lower ventricle chambers. The electrical impulse is then sent down to the ventricles, causing them to contract, pushing the blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This rhythmic contracting is what the EKG monitors.
2. Look at both the rate and rhythm printed out in the EKG strip. This shows peaks of different heights followed by a short, straight line. Each beat of the heart is a complete cycle of the contraction of both the atrial and ventricle chambers. A normal heart beat for one individual is not the same for another because factors such as health, weight, pregnancy and medications affect the EKG.
3. Count the number of beats per minute on the EKG strip. A regular heart rhythm is 60 to 100 beats a minute. A number less than 60 is considered slow (tachycardia), and more than 100 is considered fast (tachycardia). Each of these rhythms is considered normal. As you look at the EKG strip, it should show a regular set of waves and rests. An abnormal reading is one where the rhythm is irregular. There are certain results that may suggest you have an issue and may need to be treated. Only your doctor will be able to diagnose you with a condition, if any. To find any issues based on abnormalities, you can research your results (See Resources).
Tags: atrial ventricle, beats minute, electrical impulse, test done, than considered, ventricle chambers