What is the third step in analyzing an ECG?

The third step in analyzing an ECG involves determining the heart rate, which is crucial for understanding the rhythm and overall condition of the heart. By calculating the heart rate, a technician or physician can identify whether the heart is beating within a normal range, which is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute for adults. This assessment is fundamental since variations in heart rate can indicate various conditions such as bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate), or arrhythmias.

When you first view an ECG, you begin with a systematic approach that typically starts with identifying the rhythm and then assessing the intervals measured on the tracing. Once the rhythm is established, determining the heart rate provides important context that informs the subsequent analysis, including the evaluation of individual segments like the PR interval and ST segment, which may reveal further details about cardiac health or abnormalities. Understanding the heart rate is an essential part of forming a complete picture of the patient’s cardiac status based on the ECG tracing.