How to read an electrocardiogram (ECG) report

Oct 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xin
Introduction
The ECG report can be interpreted based on whether sinus rhythm is present, whether arrhythmia exists, whether there is evidence of pre-excitation syndrome, and whether the electrical axis shows left or right deviation. Sinus rhythm indicates that the heart's pacemaker is located in the sinoatrial node, which represents a normal heart rhythm. This means the heart beats in a regular pattern. Sinus rhythm is typically a sign of a healthy heart.

  You can interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG) report by checking whether it indicates sinus rhythm, the presence of arrhythmia, the existence of pre-excitation syndrome, and whether there is left or right deviation of the cardiac axis. Specific analysis is as follows:

  1. Presence of sinus rhythm

  Sinus rhythm indicates that the heart's pacemaker is located in the sinoatrial node, which represents a normal heart rhythm. This means the heart beats in a regular pattern. Sinus rhythm is generally considered healthy, but other indicators in the report should also be evaluated together to determine if other issues exist.

  2. Presence of arrhythmia

  Arrhythmia refers to irregular or abnormal heartbeats. Common types include tachycardia, bradycardia, and atrial fibrillation. The ECG report may describe the type and frequency of any detected abnormal rhythms.

  3. Presence of pre-excitation syndrome

  Pre-excitation syndrome usually involves an accessory pathway (extra electrical circuit), such as in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which causes premature activation of the ventricles. The report may indicate whether pre-excitation syndrome is present and specify its type.

  4. Left or right deviation of the electrical axis

  The electrical axis describes the overall direction of the heart's electrical activity. A normal axis falls within a specific range. The report may indicate whether the axis is deviated to the left or right.

  If you are concerned about your ECG results, it is recommended to consult a doctor, who can provide a detailed explanation and appropriate advice.

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