How Do You Read A Simple EKG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test that records electrical activity in the heart. These electrical impulses signal the heart to beat, which causes the blood to flow. By detecting abnormalities in the electrical pathways, doctors can diagnose problems in the heart. The electrical impulses can easily be recorded and displayed in print, called an EKG strip. Not all arrhythmias are cause for alarm. In fact some arrhythmias are considered harmless and do not require treatment. Understand heart anatomy. Before you can understand where the electrical impulses are coming from, you must first understand the anatomy of the heart and the areas that are generating the impulse. The heart is made up of two portions (upper and lower) that contain two chambers each (four chambers total). The upper portion is made up of the left and right atria (or atrial chambers). The lower portion is made up of the left and right ventricles (or ventricular chambers). The SA node, located in the top
