This calculator helps you determine the heart rate from an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). Accurately measuring heart rate from an EKG is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions.
Understanding EKG Rate Calculation
The heart rate can be calculated from an EKG using the R-R interval, which is the time between two consecutive R waves on the QRS complex. The R-R interval is a direct measure of the duration of one cardiac cycle.
The standard formula to calculate heart rate in beats per minute (BPM) from the R-R interval is:
Heart Rate (BPM) = 60 / R-R Interval (in seconds)
While the QRS duration is an important component of EKG interpretation, it is not directly used in the calculation of heart rate itself. However, knowing the QRS duration is vital for assessing ventricular depolarization and can be an indicator of certain heart conditions.
Example Calculation:
If the R-R interval measured on an EKG strip is 0.80 seconds:
Heart Rate = 60 / 0.80 = 75 BPM
If the QRS duration is 0.08 seconds, this is considered within the normal range (typically 0.06 to 0.10 seconds) and doesn't alter the heart rate calculation based on the R-R interval.