How to Read the Lines on a Heart Monitor

You may not be a cardiologist, but you can glean a certain amount of information from the lines on an electrocardiogram (EKG) 1. Still, it's important to leave the true reading and diagnosis to trained healthcare providers whose profession it is to detect abnormal sinus rhythms.

Deciphering peaks and valleys

Compare your EKG to the normal sample (see ecglibrary.com/norm.html). The vertical lines on the paper cut the waves into five sections denoted with letters PQRST. P is the small hump before the dip, Q is the tiny dip before the spike, R is the spike, S is the dip after the spike and T is the low spike after the dip.

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The beginning P-wave width represents the atria (upper part of the heart that receives the blood) with a time interval labelled as PR. Its time is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds. The next section, QRS, is associated with the ventricle (the lower part of the heart) and has a time interval of 0.04 to 0.10 seconds. The QT has an time interval of less than 0.02 seconds. Circle these intervals.

Compare the height of the P and T humps and R-spike and their sharpness. Also compare the width of them to the normal print out. Slow sinus rhythms called bradycardia have fewer, wider peaks and valleys. Faster sinus rhythms called tachycardia have more and thinner peaks and valleys.

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Compare the dips-Q and S to the normal sinus rhythm print out. Deep or elevated ST section are associated with heart attack. Depressed or flatter waves are associated with blockages in the heart.

Do not be overly concerned if your EKG shows flat lines in between peaks and valleys--this is normal. However, extended flat lines most likely indicate that the electrodes are not picking up any transmission from the heart. Call your doctor immediately

Tips

Medications can influence the lines (Digoxin, for example). Eating or drinking before the test can alter heart rate. Exercise can alter heart rate. Placement of the electrodes can affect the reading.

Warnings

Just because you have noticed abnormalities on the lines doesn't mean that you have heart disease. Readings that seem to indicate problems when there's no history of heart disease, obesity or chest pain are most likely a fluke. Always consult your physician before and after any test.