A normal ECG result shows that the electrical activity of your heart falls within specific healthy ranges for various measurements, indicating it is beating regularly and effectively. Based on information from Care Hospitals, these ranges can vary slightly between men and women for some parameters.
Key Measurements in a Normal ECG
When an electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed, several aspects of the heart's electrical pattern are measured. A result is considered normal if these measurements fall within typical ranges. The reference provides the following normal ranges:
Measurement | Men | Women |
---|---|---|
Heart Rate | 49 to 100 BPM | 55 to 108 BPM |
P Wave Length | 81 to 130 MS | 84 to 130 MS |
PR Interval | 119 to 210 MS | 120 to 202 MS |
QRS Duration | 74 to 110 MS | 78–88 MS |
These measurements correspond to different parts of the heart's electrical cycle:
- Heart Rate: The number of times your heart beats per minute (BPM).
- P Wave Length: Represents the electrical activation of the atria (the upper chambers of the heart). Measured in milliseconds (MS).
- PR Interval: The time it takes for the electrical impulse to travel from the atria to the ventricles (the lower chambers). Measured in milliseconds (MS).
- QRS Duration: Represents the electrical activation of the ventricles. Measured in milliseconds (MS).
A normal ECG confirms that the heart's rhythm, rate, and the timing of electrical impulses are within expected parameters. Variations outside these ranges may suggest different heart conditions and typically require further evaluation by a healthcare professional.