Jove
Visualize
Contact Us

Related Concept Videos

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals01:28

Electrocardiogram Fundamentals

Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin to...
ECG Interpretation of Rhythms01:24

ECG Interpretation of Rhythms

An electrocardiogram (ECG)graphically represents the heart's electrical activity on ECG paper or a monitor.
Components of the Electrocardiogram
The primary components of a normal ECG waveform in Normal sinus rhythm(NSR) include the P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, ST segment, T wave, and occasionally a U wave.
ECG waveforms are divided by vertical and horizontal lines at standard intervals.
The horizontal axis measures time and rate, and the vertical axis measures amplitude or voltage. When...
Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism, and...
Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle01:25

Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle

The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Guidance is needed on storing drugs during a heatwave.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2017
Same author

Role of the lecturer practioner: 2.

British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)·2016
Same author

Should older people be admitted to intensive care?

Nursing older people·2016
Same author

A dream come true or a nightmare?

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2016
Same author

The evidence.

Nursing older people·2016
Same author

Intrapleural chest drainage.

Nursing standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)·2013
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice
06:07

Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice

Published on: May 23, 2021

An introduction to electrocardiogram interpretation: part 2.

Philip Woodrow1

  • 1Intensive Therapy Unit, Kent & Canterbury Hospital, Kent. Philip.Woodrow@ekht.nhs.uk

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|January 15, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This article explains the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), a vital tool for assessing cardiac electrical activity in acutely ill patients. Understanding ECG interpretation empowers nurses to detect critical changes and seek timely medical intervention.

More Related Videos

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System
10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice
06:07

Analyzing Long-Term Electrocardiography Recordings to Detect Arrhythmias in Mice

Published on: May 23, 2021

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System
10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Nursing Practice

Background:

  • Twelve-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) offer comprehensive cardiac electrical activity views, surpassing single-lead bedside monitors.
  • Routine ECGs are common for acutely ill, pre-operative, or cardiac-concerned patients.
  • Historically, ECGs aided medical diagnosis, but direct interpretation by nurses enhances patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the diagnostic value of the 12-lead ECG in acute care settings.
  • To detail the specific information provided by each of the 12 leads.
  • To outline indications for ECG use and common sources of error.

Main Methods:

  • Descriptive review of 12-lead ECG principles.
  • Explanation of lead placement and corresponding cardiac views.
  • Identification of clinical scenarios necessitating ECG recording.

Main Results:

  • Each of the 12 leads provides a unique perspective of the heart's electrical function.
  • Key indications for ECGs include admission, pre-operative assessment, and cardiac concerns.
  • Potential errors in recording and interpretation are identified.

Conclusions:

  • Familiarity with 12-lead ECGs is crucial for nurses managing acutely ill patients.
  • Accurate ECG interpretation by nurses can facilitate urgent medical assistance.
  • This article serves as a guide to understanding ECGs, their indications, and potential pitfalls.