This book is not meant to be a comprehensive ECG textbook. It is intended as an introduction to ECG for medical students, nurses, paramedics, junior hospital doctors, and anybody wishing to refresh their basic knowledge. It provides essential information about the normal electrophysiology of the heart as well as the basic knowledge required to approach a systematic ECG interpretation. It is written in a simple and step-bystep format, so learners are encouraged to recognize how ECG is easy to understand without being overwhelmed by its complexity. Numerous diagrams and drawings are used to make learning more exciting and memorable rather than just memorization. Each chapter starts by asking questions and ends with the intended learning outcomes.

The title “The Journey of Learning Basic-Normal ECG” was suggested to reinforce my belief that learning is like a journey. It can be joyful and unforgettable when planned perfectly in a logical way.

Dr. Majda Fuad Saeed, DCH, Arab Board, Saudi Board, MD MedEd (U of Dundee)
Pediatric Consultant
Head of PBL Unit, Medical Education Department
College of Medicine & King Khaled University Hospital
King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

An electrocardiogram, also known as ECG or EKG, is a quick, safe, non-invasive, and valuable medical test that, with proper history and examination, helps to detect and manage numerous cardiac and noncardiac abnormalities. The electrocardiogram results from electrical changes associated with activating the atria and the ventricles. It is recorded as a voltage-time graph.

By measuring intervals (time), a physician can determine how long the electrical waves take to travel through the heart and tell whether it is within normal ranges, slow or fast, and regular or irregular. By measuring the height (voltage) of the electrical activity, a physician can tell whether there are any structural abnormalities such as enlargement, inadequate blood and oxygen supply, tissue damage, or other defects. The suffix (gram) refers to the picture or record that comes from the recording (production). The suffix (graph) refers to the instrument used to take this recording (tool). The suffix (graphy) refers to the process of recording (action).

Chapter 1: General Overview
Chapter 2: ECG Paper and Graph
Chapter 3: Electrical Activity and Cardiac Cycle
Chapter 4: Basic Principles of ECG
Chapter 5: Systematic Approach to ECG Interpretation