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The intervals represent parts of the ECG trace situated between two markers (either the
beginning or the end of certain waves), containing at least one wave. Intervals are only
described by their duration (measured in mm, sec, or msec). The intervals analyzed on the
ECG trace are the PQ (or PR), QT, and RR intervals (Figure 6).
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3.4. The QRS complex
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization and is normally the most ample
element on the ECG trace. The normal characteristics of the QRS complex are (Figure 4):
- duration: less than 0.12 sec, measured at the isoelectric line. The short duration of the
QRS complex reflects the synchronous activation of the right and left ventricles.
- total amplitude: 0.5-1.6 mV (5-16 mm) in the limb leads and the augmented limb leads;
in the precordial leads the amplitude of the QRS complex is larger, because the
ventricles are closer to the exploring electrodes.
- axial orientation: between +30° and + 60°
- shape: polyphasic (contains several, usually three, waves: Q, R, and S), with sharp
waves. When the waves have amplitudes ≥3 mm (≥0.3 mV) they are marked with
uppercase letters (Q, R, S); if their amplitudes are < 3mm (< 0.3 mV) they are marked
with lowercase letters (q, r, s). The three waves are generated by the successive
activation sequences of the two ventricles (Figure 7):
o the first phase is represented by the depolarization of the interventricular septum,
which starts on its left side and propagates to the right. This generates a small r wave
in lead V1 and a small q wave in lead V6.
o the second phase is represented by the simultaneous depolarization of the right and
left ventricles. It is normally dominated by the more massive left ventricle, so that
the vector points leftward and posteriorly. This generates a large S wave in lead V 1
and a large R wave in lead V6.
o the last phase is represented by the depolarization of the posterobasal left
ventricular free wall. The resultant force is directed to the right, upwards, and slightly
backwards. This generates a small s wave in lead V6.
Therefore, ventricular depolarization will generate in a right precordial lead such as V 1 a
small positive deflection (small r wave), followed by a larger negative deflection (large S
wave). In a left precordial lead such as V6 ventricular depolarization will generate a small
negative deflection (small q wave), followed by a tall positive deflection (large R wave), and
a small negative deflection (small s wave). Intermediate leads V3 and V4 show a relative
increase in R wave amplitude (normal R wave progression) and a decrease in S wave
amplitude progressing across the chest from the right to the left. The precordial leads
where the R and S waves are of approximately equal amplitude are referred to as the
transition zone.
Figure 7. The normal aspect of the QRS complex in the precordial leads.
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The first positive wave of the QRS complex is the R wave; if there are additional positive
waves in a QRS complex they are labeled R', R". If the negative deflection between two
adjacent positive apices does not cross the isoelectric line, then the positive deflection is
not considered as two distinct R waves, but a bifid (notched) R wave. The negative wave in
front of the R wave is the Q wave, the negative waves that occur after the first positive
wave are labeled S, S'. If there is no positive wave, the complex being formed by only a
negative wave, this is named QS wave (or QS complex). The QS wave can have a notch on
its descendent or ascendant slope (Figure 8).
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3.7. The QT interval
The QT interval represents the entire electrical activity of the ventricles (ventricular electrical
systole) measured form the beginning of the Q wave to the end of the T wave (See Figure 6).
The normal characteristics of the QT interval are:
- duration: depends on the heart rate; considered normal if < 50% of the RR interval.
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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
2. If the duration of the P wave is 2 mm and the duration of the PQ interval is 5 mm, what
is the duration of the PQ segment?
a. 7 mm
b. 0.3 mV
c. 0.7 sec
d. 120 msec
e. the duration of the PQ segment cannot be calculated
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