Question

Describe the role of each component of the ECG in the heart's contraction: the P wave, the PR interval, the QRS complex, the ST segment, the T wave, and the QT interval. What is the difference between artifact and dysrhythmia? How can you reduce artifacts? What are some situations that can occur if artifact is not reduced or eliminated?

Answer 1

Electrocardiograph is a method of recording activity of the heart. Reading it helps us to identify any major cardiac ailments.

P way:

It happens just before atrial contractions called as atrial depolarisation. The amplitude is 0.05 to 0.25 MV

PR interval:

The interval of impulse conduction from atria to ventricle

QRS Complex:

It represent the depolarisation of ventricles.Its duration is 0.08 to 0.10 seconds

ST segment:

It represent the interval between ventricular depolarization and repolarization

T way:

It represent the repolarization or recovery of ventricle

QT interval:

It is the time taken for ventricular activity including both depolarization and repolarization. Normally it is0.36 to 0.44 seconds

Artifacts:

The reading observed which are not from the heart instead might be because of vibration, jerks ,electrical contacts, shivering,metals of patient body.The artifacts can be seen in the ECG

Dysarrthmia is abnormal heart beats,rhythm or increased or decreased heart beats in the ECG

The artefacts can be reduced by removing the external source like electronic devices (mobile phone) metal items( ornaments) .Avoid taking ECG if patient is shivering or having chills ,or when excessively perspiring.

If artifacts situation is not reduced it may give a wrong interpretation of ECG leading to endangering a life.