ECG Basics…the scribbles explained

  • Each ECG lead is an electrical ‘snapshot’ of the heart taken from a specific position.
  • The limb leads view electrical activity in the heart in the vertical/coronal plane.
  • The precordial leads view electrical activity in the heart in the transverse/horizontal plane.
  • Understanding the anatomical area of the heart that each lead ‘looks’ at, allows mapping of pathology on the ECG.

EMKF

Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation (EMKF) is an NGO supporting emergency healthcare providers across Kenya to save lives by strengthening the emergency healthcare system through capacity building, knowledge development, advocacy and research.