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ECG interpretation in small animals
Author(s) -
Martin Mike
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
in practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.211
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 2042-7689
pISSN - 0263-841X
DOI - 10.1136/inpract.24.3.114
Subject(s) - auscultation , palpation , heart rhythm , clinical practice , heart rate , pulse rate , medicine , identification (biology) , pulse (music) , interpretation (philosophy) , cardiology , computer science , surgery , blood pressure , physical therapy , telecommunications , detector , biology , programming language , botany
THIS article, the first of three aimed at assisting those in practice in interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs), discusses the electrical activity of the heart and how this relates to the complexes seen on an ECG. It also describes the clinical findings on auscultation and palpation of the pulse. It must be remembered that an ECG trace should always be interpreted in the light of a thorough clinical examination of the cardiovascular system, with particular attention being paid to heart rate and rhythm, pulse rate, and identification of pulse deficits, if present. The second article in the series, to be published in the next issue, will discuss the abnormalities associated with the conduction system of the heart. The final article, to be published in the May issue, will outline a practical approach to interpreting ECGs.