Electrocardiography (ECG) Signal Recording
Virtual Laboratory Experiment
Objective
Study cardiac electrical activity using standard ECG leads and electrodes. Perform simulator-based placement, record ECG signals, compute RR intervals and heart rate, and interpret normal versus abnormal patterns.
Learning Outcomes
- Define basic ECG components: P wave, QRS complex, and T wave
- Identify normal ECG leads and electrode placement landmarks
- Demonstrate correct electrode placement in an ECG simulator
- Record ECG signals using simulation software/equipment
- Measure RR intervals and calculate heart rate from ECG
- Differentiate normal and abnormal ECG patterns
The Science Behind ECG
P Wave
The P wave represents atrial depolarization and is the first deflection of a normal sinus beat.
QRS Complex
The QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization and is usually the highest-amplitude part of the ECG trace.
T Wave
The T wave represents ventricular repolarization and follows the QRS complex in a normal cardiac cycle.
Lead and Rhythm Highlights
- Common rhythm lead: Lead II
- Typical ECG bandwidth: 0.05 - 150 Hz
- Normal heart rate: 60 - 100 bpm
- Heart rate formula: HR = 60000 / RR(ms)
ECG cycle preview with P wave, QRS complex, and T wave landmarks
Equipment Familiarization
Click on each piece of equipment to learn about it. Explore ALL items before proceeding.
Click on equipment to learn about it
Patient Preparation & Electrode Placement
Prepare all ECG electrode sites (RA, LA, RL), then place leads on the correct body targets.
Drag the alcohol swab once to any zone to clean all 10 sites.
Drag the prep pad once to any zone to abrade all 10 sites.
Drag conductive gel once to any zone to apply on all 10 sites.
Tap each of the 10 electrodes in the tray. Each one auto-attaches to its matching body label (RA, LA, RL, LL, V1-V6).
System Calibration
Configure the ECG system parameters for optimal signal recording.
Understanding ECG Settings
ECG signals are very small (microvolts). The amplifier increases the signal magnitude. Surface ECG typically uses 1000-5000x gain.
Removes slow baseline drift and motion artifacts by blocking frequencies below the cutoff. Set to 10-20 Hz for surface ECG.
Removes high-frequency noise and prevents aliasing. Most ECG energy is below 500 Hz. Set to 450-500 Hz for comprehensive signal capture.
Eliminates power line interference that appears as a constant hum in the signal. Always enable unless studying frequencies near 50/60 Hz.
ECG Signal Recording
Record ECG signals under different rhythm conditions for comparison and analysis.
Signal Analysis
Analyze your recorded ECG data using different signal processing techniques.
Normal
Sinus Tachycardia
Sinus Bradycardia
Irregular Rhythm
Experiment Complete
You have successfully completed all steps of the ECG virtual laboratory experiment.