16/11/2017 ECG Waveforms
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Products Home Cardiology Introduction to the ECG ECG Waveforms
C.Net5000 ECG Monitor
Introduction to the ECG
C.Net2000+ ECG Monitor ECG Waveforms
Connect PC Software Each portion of a heartbeat produces a different deflection on the ECG. These
deflections are recorded as a series of positive and negative waves. On a normal
Consumables ECG, there are typically up to five visible waveforms:
Where to Buy the P wave,
Frequently Asked Questions
the Q wave,
the R wave,
the S wave,
More Information and the T wave.
Articles and White Papers
The P Wave
Testimonials The first deflection of the heartbeat is a small upward wave called the P wave. It
indicates atrial depolarisation. The initial portion of the P wave is largely a
Cardiology reflection of right atrial depolarisation and the terminal portion is largely a
reflection of left atrial depolarisation.
The Heart
A fraction of a second after the P wave begins, the atria contract.
Symptoms of Heart Disease
The P waves should all look alike and be no larger than 0.3mV (3 mm). Taller
Diagnosing Heart Disease morphologies may indicate right atrial enlargement. Wider (or 'm-shaped')
morphologies may be caused by left atrial enlargement.
Introduction to the ECG
Multiple P waves are seen with second and third degree block.
ECG Waveforms
ECG Durations
Rhythms and Arrhythmia
Advice for Patients
Electrocardiogram: The P Wave (arrowed)
Company
About Us The Q Wave
When visible, the Q wave is any initial downward deflection after the P wave.
News The normal Q wave represents septal depolarisation.
Contact Us The Q wave that is seen following a heart attack may be wide and deep. The
dead muscle neither conducts nor produces current, so the ECG picks up current
Links flowing away from this muscle, producing a strong negative deflection.
Electrocardiogram: The Q Wave (arrowed)
The R Wave
The R wave is the first upward deflection after the P wave (even when Q waves
are absent). The R wave is normally the easiest waveform to identify on the ECG
and represents early ventricular depolarisation.
The R wave may be enlarged with ventricular hypertrophy, a thin chest wall or
with an athletic physique. It may be reduced by a variety of mechanisms
including obesity.
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16/11/2017 ECG Waveforms
Electrocardiogram: The R Wave (arrowed)
The S Wave
The S wave is the first negative deflection after the R wave. It represents the
late ventricular depolarisation.
Electrocardiogram: The S Wave (arrowed)
The T Wave
The T wave represents repolarisation of the ventricles. It is normally upright,
somewhat rounded, and slightly asymmetric. Its morphology will alter with
breath holding and digitalis toxicity.
The T wave may be inverted or flat with myocardial ischaemia, bundle branch
block, ventricular hypertrophy, and ventricular ectopic beats. It is tall and
peaked with hyperkalaemia (potassium decreases the duration of the refractory
period and enhances repolarisation).
The T wave is flat and notched with conditions such as pericarditis, hypothyroid,
and cardiomyopathies and flat with hypokalaemia.
Electrocardiogram: The T Wave (arrowed)
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