EKG waves, also known as electrocardiogram waves, represent the electrical activity of the heart. An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a medical test that measures and records the electrical impulses generated by the heart as it beats. These impulses cause the heart muscle to contract and pump blood.
The EKG waveforms represent the various electrical events that occur during each heartbeat. The primary waves and intervals observed in a standard EKG waveform are:
P Wave: The P wave represents the depolarization (contraction) of the atria. It shows the electrical activity associated with the initiation of the heartbeat.
QRS Complex: The QRS complex represents the depolarization (contraction) of the ventricles. It consists of three distinct waves: Q, R, and S. The QRS complex indicates the contraction of the heart's main pumping chambers.
T Wave: The T wave represents the repolarization (recovery) of the ventricles. It indicates the electrical recovery of the heart muscle after contraction.
PR Interval: The PR interval is the time between the start of the P wave and the start of the QRS complex. It represents the time it takes for the electrical signal to travel from the atria to the ventricles.
QT Interval: The QT interval is the time from the start of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave. It represents the time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization.
By analyzing the shape, duration, and relationship between these waves and intervals, healthcare professionals can gather important information about the heart's electrical conduction system, identify abnormalities, and diagnose various heart conditions or disorders.