L05 Electrocardiography I

Experimental Objectives

1. To become familiar with the electrocardiograph as a primary tool for evaluating electrical events within the heart.
2. To correlate electrical events as displayed on the ECG with the mechanical events that occur during the cardiac cycle.
3. To observe rate and rhythm changes in the ECG associated with body position and breathing.

Tasks Performed by the Student

BSL Lessons are designed to allow at least four students to record and save data in a normal lab period (60-90 minutes). Typically, labs work most efficiently with three or more students working together at each BSL station.

• Record Lead II ECG.
• Event mark each new activity.
• Lie down and relax.
• Take 5 deep breaths.
• Perform a physical exercise to increase the heart rate.
• Relax while heart rate returns to normal.

Lesson Hardware

This lesson requires a Biopac Student Lab (BSL) System and the following hardware. If your BSL System does not include all hardware items, expand your system by selecting required items below. For more details, review the Lesson: L# BSL Lessons - see the Lab Manual or launch BSL; A# and H# BSL PRO Lessons, click the PDF link above to review full setup, recording, and analysis procedures.