Electrocardiogram: Results

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Results

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for problems with the electrical activity of your heart. An EKG translates the heart's electrical activity into line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the line tracings are called waves.

The test usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Normal EKG Illustration of the intervals and components in an EKG

The P wave is a record of the electrical activity through the upper heart chambers (atria).
The QRS complex is a record of the movement of electrical impulses through the lower heart chambers (ventricles).
The ST segment corresponds to the time when the ventricle is contracting but no electricity is flowing through it. The ST segment usually appears as a straight, level line between the QRS complex and the T wave.
The T wave corresponds to the period when the lower heart chambers are relaxing electrically and preparing for their next muscle contraction.

**Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)**
Normal:	The heart beats in a regular rhythm, usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Normal:	The tracing looks normal.
Abnormal:	The heart beats too slow (less than 60 beats per minute). The heart beats too fast (more than 100 beats per minute). The heart rhythm is not regular.
Abnormal:	The tracing does not look normal.

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Last updated:	April 21, 2006
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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