1. What is Heart Rate Calculation from ECG?

Heart rate calculation from ECG involves measuring the distance between QRS complexes on an electrocardiogram. The standard method counts the number of small boxes between R waves and uses the formula HR = 1500 / number of small boxes to determine beats per minute.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( HR \) — Heart rate in beats per minute (bpm)
• \( Small boxes \) — Number of small boxes between consecutive R waves

Explanation: Standard ECG paper moves at 25 mm/s, with each small box representing 0.04 seconds. The formula converts the time interval between beats into heart rate.

3. Importance of Heart Rate Measurement

Details: Accurate heart rate measurement is essential for assessing cardiac function, detecting arrhythmias, monitoring patient condition during procedures, and evaluating response to treatments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Count the number of small boxes between two consecutive R waves on an ECG strip. Enter this value in the calculator. Ensure the ECG was recorded at standard speed (25 mm/s).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if the ECG was recorded at a different speed?
A: This formula only works for standard 25 mm/s recordings. For 50 mm/s recordings, use HR = 3000 / number of small boxes.

Q2: How accurate is this method?
A: It provides a quick estimate but may be less accurate for irregular rhythms. For irregular rhythms, average several intervals.

Q3: What is a normal resting heart rate?
A: Typically 60-100 bpm for adults, though athletes may have lower resting rates (40-60 bpm).

Q4: Can I use large boxes instead?
A: Yes, HR = 300 / number of large boxes (each large box = 0.2 seconds).

Q5: What if the rhythm is irregular?
A: For irregular rhythms, measure several R-R intervals and calculate the average heart rate from multiple measurements.