Depolarization in an ECG refers to the electrical process that triggers the heart's contraction.
Understanding Depolarization and ECG
What Happens During Depolarization?
- Cardiac Depolarization: At every beat, the heart undergoes depolarization, which is essential for initiating its contraction. This electrical activity is the fundamental mechanism that drives the heart's pumping action.
How is Depolarization Detected?
- Electrical Transmission: The electrical activity generated during depolarization is not confined to the heart but is transmitted throughout the body. This widespread electrical activity can be detected on the skin's surface.
- ECG Principle: The principle behind an electrocardiogram (ECG) is to capture this electrical activity. An ECG machine uses electrodes placed on the skin to record the heart's electrical activity.
ECG and Graphical Representation
- Recording Activity: The ECG machine records the electrical activity via electrodes. These electrodes are strategically placed on the skin to pick up the electrical signals from the heart.
- Graphical Display: The recorded electrical activity is then displayed graphically on the ECG. This graphical representation allows healthcare professionals to visualize the heart's electrical patterns and rhythms.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Cardiac Depolarization | The electrical process that triggers the heart's contraction at each beat. |
| Electrical Transmission | The electrical activity from depolarization is transmitted throughout the body and can be detected on the skin. |
| ECG Principle | Captures the heart's electrical activity using electrodes placed on the skin. |
| Graphical Display | The ECG machine displays the recorded electrical activity in a graphical format. |
