Final answer:
To determine the heart rate on an ECG, one can measure the time interval between R waves in the ECG trace. A Holter monitor provides continuous ECG monitoring, and a 12-lead electrocardiograph offers comprehensive cardiac analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several methods for counting rhythms on an ECG (electrocardiogram), one of which is calculating the heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) by assuming a constant time between beats. To determine the heart rate using an ECG, one common method involves measuring the time interval between R waves, which are the highest peaks in an ECG trace representing ventricular depolarization, and is part of what's called QRS complex. By determining the distance on the ECG between successive R waves and knowing the paper speed (most ECGs run at 25 mm/s), one can calculate the heart rate. For example, if the distance between two R waves is 25 mm, and the ECG paper speed is 25 mm/s, then there's a 1-second interval between heartbeats, translating to a heart rate of 60 bpm.
In a clinical setting, ambulatory monitoring can be performed using a Holter monitor, a portable device worn by the patient that records continuous heart electrical activity, often for a full 24-hour period. The standard electrocardiograph generates an ECG with varying numbers of leads, the most comprehensive being the 12-lead electrocardiograph. Each lead provides a different view of the heart's electrical activity, allowing for a detailed analysis of heart function and the diagnosis of arrhythmias and other cardiac issues.