What does the PQRST complex represent in an EKG?

The PQRST complex on an EKG represents one entire cardiac cycle, encompassing all the electrical events associated with a single heartbeat. This sequence reveals critical information about heart activity:

• The P wave reflects atrial depolarization, indicating the contraction of the atria.

• The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, which corresponds to the contraction of the ventricles.

• The T wave signifies ventricular repolarization, highlighting the recovery phase of the ventricles as they prepare for the next contraction.

Understanding the PQRST complex is essential for interpreting heart rhythm and diagnosing various cardiac conditions. Each part of the complex provides insight into different phases of the cardiac cycle, making it a vital component of EKG analysis.