Question

How is voltage measure on the EKG paper?

Answer 1

Voltage on EKG paper is measured using electrodes that record the electric activity of the heart, depicted as waveform heights on the EKG paper. The standard ECG uses up to 12 leads for detailed information, and precise amplifiers help overcome the challenge of measuring small voltages. Adjustments to resistance and capacitance in the circuit allow for accurate measurement of voltage variations over small time intervals.

Step-by-step explanation:

On EKG paper, voltage is indicated by the height of the waveform away from the baseline. When an electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed, electrodes placed on the patient’s body detect the electrical activity generated by the heart muscle as it goes through the depolarization and repolarization cycle. The lead II potential, a voltage measured between the right arm and left leg, is commonly recorded. This representation of heart muscle function is coordinated with arterial blood pressure. The standard electrocardiograph, which generates an ECG, may use 3, 5, or 12 leads to provide detailed information regarding cardiac activity. In modern clinical settings, advanced ECG machines with precise amplifiers measure these voltages, which are often on the order of millivolts, despite the challenging presence of noise and other signals.

To measure voltage variations over short time intervals, one must consider the RC constant of the EKG circuitry. To allow for the necessary measurements, R (resistance) and C (capacitance) in the circuit should be manipulated to reduce the RC time constant, thereby enabling faster response times and the detection of rapid voltage changes. This precise measurement is vital for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac conditions accurately.

Answer 2

Voltage on an EKG is assessed by recording voltage differences between electrodes placed around the body, with the lead II potential being widely used for analysis. To measure small voltage fluctuations, manipulation of resistance and capacitance in the EKG circuit is necessary, along with employing frequency-specific amplifiers to overcome the small voltage signal's detection challenge.

Step-by-step explanation:

Voltage on an EKG paper is measured by analyzing the deflections seen on the tracings that represent the cardiac cycle. The electrocardiogram (ECG), also known as an EKG, captures the electrical activity of the heart by recording the voltage variations between pairs of electrodes placed on the chest, arms, and legs. The most commonly graphed potential is the lead II potential, which measures the voltage difference between the right arm and the left leg. This lead II potential provides significant insight into cardiac function and is synchronized with arterial blood pressure.

During an ECG measurement, the detection of small voltage variations is crucial for assessing heart function. The circuit's time constant (RC constant) limits the measurement time for these variations, as fluctuations shorter than the RC constant cannot be detected. To enable accurate measurements, one would manipulate the resistance (R) and capacitance (C) in the EKG circuit. Practically, issues of small voltage detection are addressed by applying an alternating current (AC) magnetic field and using an amplifier tuned to the specific frequency of the Hall electromotive force (emf) signal, thus filtering out unwanted signals and noise.

Modern electrocardiographs may employ multiple leads, with 12 leads being standard for a comprehensive EKG. These leads allow for a more detailed picture of the heart's electrical activity, which is indispensable for diagnosing cardiac conditions.