EKG components and intervals


Content provided by Healthwise
small text medium text large text

EKG components and intervals


Illustration of the intervals and components in an EKG

Illustration copyright 2002 by Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) translates the heart's electrical activity into line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the line tracings are called waves.

The P wave represents the electrical activity in the atria. The Q, R, and S waves—called the QRS complex—represent the electrical activity in the ventricles. The T wave represents the electrical recovery, or repolarization, of the ventricles.

Credits


Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD

- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC

- Interventional Cardiology
Last Updated May 14, 2007

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

Search


Where Does it Hurt?

body symptoms

If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.