As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can tell you that a
normal ECG, also known as an electrocardiogram, is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart over time. Here are the key characteristics of a normal ECG:
1. Rate: The heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) for adults at rest.
2. Rhythm: The rhythm is regular, meaning the time between successive heartbeats is consistent.
3. P Wave: The P wave represents atrial depolarization and should be upright in leads I, II, and V4-V6, and inverted in lead aVR. The duration should be less than 0.12 seconds, and the amplitude typically does not exceed 2.5 small squares (0.25 mV) in the limb leads.
4. PR Interval: This is the time from the start of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex. It should be between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds.
5. QRS Complex: The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization and should be less than 0.12 seconds in duration. The amplitude should be within normal limits for each lead.
6. QT Interval: The QT interval is a measure of the time between the start of the QRS complex and the end of the T wave. It should be adjusted for heart rate (corrected QT or QTc) and is typically between 0.36 and 0.44 seconds.
7.
T Wave: The T wave represents ventricular repolarization and should be upright in leads I, II, and V4-V6, and may be inverted in lead aVR. The amplitude should be less than half the amplitude of the QRS complex in the same lead.
8.
Axis: The mean electrical axis of the heart's electrical activity is normally between -30 and +90 degrees.
9.
Intervals and Segments: All intervals and segments should be within normal limits, with no evidence of pathological Q waves, ST-segment elevation or depression, or other abnormalities.
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