ECG Heart Rate Calculator
This calculator helps you determine your heart rate based on an electrocardiogram (ECG) reading. Understanding your heart rate is crucial for monitoring cardiovascular health.
Your Estimated Heart Rate:
How to Calculate Heart Rate from an ECG
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a vital tool for assessing the electrical activity of the heart. One of the key pieces of information derived from an ECG is the heart rate. There are several methods to calculate this, and this calculator uses the RR interval method, which is widely applicable.
The RR Interval Method
The RR interval is the time between two consecutive R waves on the ECG tracing. The R wave represents ventricular depolarization, and the time between these peaks gives us a measure of the heart's rhythm cycle.
The formula used is:
Heart Rate (bpm) = 60 / RR Interval (seconds)
This formula assumes a regular heart rhythm. If your ECG paper speed is different from the standard 25 mm/sec, the RR interval measurement on paper will be affected. However, this calculator directly takes the actual time duration of the RR interval in seconds, making paper speed less critical for the primary calculation IF you can accurately measure the time between R waves. If you only have the distance in millimeters between R waves, and know the paper speed, you'd first calculate the RR interval in seconds:
RR Interval (seconds) = Distance between R waves (mm) / Paper Speed (mm/sec)
Once you have the RR interval in seconds, you divide 60 by that value to get the heart rate in beats per minute (bpm).
Example Calculation:
Suppose you measure the RR interval on your ECG tracing to be 0.8 seconds.
- RR Interval = 0.8 seconds
- Heart Rate = 60 / 0.8
- Heart Rate = 75 bpm
If your ECG paper speed is 25 mm/sec and you measured 20 mm between R waves:
- RR Interval (seconds) = 20 mm / 25 mm/sec = 0.8 seconds
- Heart Rate = 60 / 0.8
- Heart Rate = 75 bpm
Important Note: This calculator is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate diagnosis and treatment.