13. General Information About the Heart and ECG Measurements
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EN
About the ECG Waveform
The ECG waveform shows the rhythm of your heartbeat during the 30-second
measurement and displays the electrical activity causing the heart to be at. The
waveform for each heartbeat shows the progress of the electrical impuls e across
and through the heart.
The first peak indicates the spread of the impulse over the atria and the beginning
of their contraction. This is known as the P wave. The second peak i ndicates the
spread of the impulse over the ventricles and the beginning of their contr action.
This is known as the QRS complex. The third peak indicates the activ ity as the
heart relaxes (re-polarization), and is known as the T wave.
What is Arrhythmia?
Arrhythmia is a condition where the heartbeat rhythm is abnormal due to flaw s in
the bio-electrical system that drives the heartbeat. Typical symptoms are skipped
heartbeats, premature contraction, an abnormally rapid (tachycardia) or slow
(bradycardia) pulse. This can be caused by heart disease, ageing, phy sical
predisposition, stress, lack of sleep, fatigue etc.
Arrhythmia can only be diagnosed by a doctor through a special exami nation.
What is Ischemia?
Ischemia is a condition in which insufficient oxygen is supplied to parts of the h eart
or other parts of the body. This is usually due to a blockage or partial blockage of
an artery.
Ischemia can only be diagnosed by a doctor through a special ex amination.
Ventrcular contraction
(QRS complex)
Re-polarization (T wave)Atrial contraction (P wave)
HCG-801-E.book Page 55 Tuesday, December 13, 2011 5:35 PM