What is another name for the resting phase on the EKG?

The resting phase on the EKG is commonly referred to as the baseline. This is the period when the heart muscle is at rest and has returned to its polarized state after a contraction. During this phase, there is no electrical activity detectable on the EKG, and the line remains stable, indicating that the heart is preparing for the next cycle of depolarization and contraction.

The baseline serves as a reference point against which the electrical activity of the heart can be measured. It is crucial for interpreting the various waves and segments on the EKG, as fluctuations above or below this line represent depolarization (the active phase when the heart contracts) and repolarization (the recovery phase when the heart resets itself). Understanding the concept of the baseline is fundamental for analyzing EKG readings and recognizing normal versus abnormal cardiac rhythms.