As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that a normal ECG, or electrocardiogram, is a graphic representation of the electrical activity of the heart. It is typically characterized by several key features:
1. Rate: A normal heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) for adults at rest.
2. Rhythm: The heartbeats should be regular, with each beat following the previous one at consistent intervals.
3. P Wave: This represents atrial depolarization and should be smooth and rounded, without notches or irregularities.
4. PR Interval: This is the time from the start of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex. A normal PR interval is 0.12 to 0.20 seconds.
5. QRS Complex: This represents ventricular depolarization and should be a single, broad wave without splits or extra peaks. The duration should be less than 0.12 seconds.
6. QT Interval: This is the time from the start of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave. It varies with heart rate but is typically around 0.36 to 0.44 seconds.
7.
T Wave: This represents ventricular repolarization and should be smooth and rounded, with a direction opposite to the QRS complex.
8.
Axis: The average electrical axis of the heart's depolarization should be between -30 and +90 degrees.
An ECG is read across what are known as leads, which are views of the heart from different angles. Each lead can provide different information about the heart's electrical activity.
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