How to Read a Heart Rate and Blood Pressure Monitor

The heart rate monitor—also known as an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor—displays in real time the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate, and pulse. At the top of the screen is the ECG waveform, which allows assessment of heart rate, rhythm regularity, and potential arrhythmias; the corresponding numerical heart rate value appears to its right. In the lower-left corner is the respiratory waveform, showing respiratory amplitude and rate—enabling evaluation of breathing regularity and depth. Centrally positioned on the right side of the screen is the blood pressure reading; directly below it is the SpO₂ value, which should normally be above 90%. At the bottom-right corner is the pulse rate, which typically matches the heart rate.