ECG Heart Rate Calculator
This calculator helps you estimate your heart rate based on an electrocardiogram (ECG) by measuring the time between R-waves (the peak of the QRS complex).
Estimated Heart Rate:
— bpm
Understanding ECG and Heart Rate Calculation
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. Each electrical event in the heart produces a waveform on the ECG. The 'R-wave' is a prominent spike within the QRS complex, representing ventricular depolarization, which is a key event in the cardiac cycle.
The time between consecutive R-waves (the R-R interval) is a direct indicator of the heart's rhythm and rate. A shorter R-R interval means the heart is beating faster, and a longer interval means it's beating slower.
To calculate the heart rate in beats per minute (bpm) from the R-R interval measured in seconds, we use the following formula:
Heart Rate (bpm) = 60 / R-R Interval (seconds)
This formula works because there are 60 seconds in a minute. By dividing 60 by the duration of one cardiac cycle (represented by the R-R interval), we get the number of cycles that would occur in one minute, which is the heart rate.
Example:
If the R-R interval measured on an ECG strip is 0.80 seconds, the calculation would be:
Heart Rate = 60 / 0.80 = 75 bpm
Therefore, an R-R interval of 0.80 seconds corresponds to an estimated heart rate of 75 beats per minute.
Note: This is a simplified calculation. For accurate medical diagnosis, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.