Electrocardiogram 1: purpose, physiology and practicalities

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

• The heart’s electrophysiology and electrical pathways, and the cardiac cycle

• The different methods of monitoring and how they work

• How to undertake electrocardiogram monitoring and troubleshoot any problems

Abstract

An electrocardiogram assesses the heart’s electrical activity; it is commonly used as a non-invasive monitoring device in many different healthcare settings. This article, the first in a three-part series, discusses cardiac electrophysiology, indications for an electrocardiogram, monitoring and troubleshooting.