How to Determine Heart Rate on an ECG

It is a relatively easy process to determine the heart rate by correctly reading an ECG chart. Once you have correctly identified the waves, you can quickly and efficiently determine the heart rate. Accurately follow the steps outlined below to master this straightforward process.

Things You'll Need

• ECG Chart

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify the waves on the ECG Chart (see Resources below). Locate the P wave, T wave and the QRS complex. Be sure that you are familiar with the order of the waves ( P, QRS, T) and their visual appearances.

• 2

  Measure the R-R interval. Using the small squares on the ECG chart, count the distance between the tip of the R wave and the tip of the next R wave on the chart. You can find the pinnacle of R by locating the QRS complex and locating the highest point. In a regularly beating heart, the R is the highest point in the QRS complex.

• 3

  Determine the heart rate. You can determine the heart rate by performing one very simple mathematical calculation. Using the figure you acquired by determining the R-R interval, calculate the heart rate by using the following formula: Heart Rate= 300/X. In this case, X stands for the R-R interval. If, for example, there were 3 boxes between the R-R waves, then take 300 and divide by 3. In this case, the heart rate would be 100 beats per minute.