Understanding ECG The Complete Guide to 12-Lead EKG Interpretation

Now to ECG
Electrocardiography is the technique by which the electrical activities of the heart are studied. The spread of excitation through myocardium (the heart muscle) produces local electrical potential. This causes flow of small currents through the body which acts as a volume conductor. These small currents can be picked up from the surface of the body by using suitable electrodes and recorded in the form of electrocardiogram. This technique was discovered by Dutch physiologist, Einthoven Willem who is considered the father of ECG.
Electrocardiograph is the instrument by which the electrical activities of the heart are recorded. Electrocardiogram is the record or the graphical registration of electrical activities of the heart, which occur prior to the onset of mechanical activities. It is the summed electrical activity of all the cardiac muscle fibers recorded from the surface of the body. The electrocardiogram is recorded in 12 leads.
The ECG is useful in determining and diagnosing the following:
-Heart rate
-Heart rhythm
-Abnormal electrical conduction
-Poor blood flow to the heart muscle
-Heart attack
Coronary artery disease
-Hypertrophy of heart chambers
The electrocardiogram is recorded by placing series of electrodes on the surface of the body. These electrodes are called ECG leads and are connected to the ECG machine.
The electrodes are fixed on the limbs. Usually right arm, left arm and left leg are chosen. The heart is said to be in the center of an imaginary equilateral triangle drawn by connecting the roots of these three limbs. This triangle is called Einthoven's triangle. The electrical potential generated from the heart appears simultaneously on the roots of these three limbs.
The electrocardiogram has great application in cardiovascular physiology, and the heart health as a whole. This book, which can be read in less than 24 hours will furnish you with the skills you need to totally crush ECG and its interpretation. With it, you can successfully tackle NCLEX at first sitting!
You will also learn the following:
-physiologic anatomy of the heart
-work output of the heart
-oxygen utilization by the heart
-relationship of the heart sounds to heart pumping
-sinoatrial arrhythmia
-atrioventricular blocks
-atrial arrhythmia
-ventricular arrhythmia
So what are you waiting for? Download this, and let's tackle that NCLEX together!