MBBS · Clinical Skills and Internship

ECG basics

Use a systematic approach to ECG learning: identify the recording scale and lead, recognize the P–QRS–T sequence and connect each component to electrophysiology.

Open interactive lesson & self-check ↗

ECG components: representative beat

Original conceptual SVG · scalable
PRQSTatrial depolarizationventricular depolarizationventricular repolarization

Illustrative P–QRS–T waveform. Not calibrated, not a real lead tracing, not for ECG diagnosis.

Concept 01

Check the recording

Confirm patient identity, lead labeling, calibration and recording speed before measuring intervals or interpreting morphology.

Concept 02

Read systematically

Determine rate and rhythm, examine axis where appropriate, evaluate intervals and assess waveforms across leads.

Concept 03

Know limitations

A tracing is only one component of clinical assessment; symptoms, prior ECGs, medications and electrolyte changes may influence interpretation.

Education / safety note: The example curve is schematic. Do not use it to diagnose real ECGs or infer normal values from pixel lengths.

Reference and next reading

Explore the original curriculum and publisher-hosted resources for full-depth reading; this note is an original schematic introduction, not an exhaustive chapter.

Official / publisher source: NMC official CBME Curriculum 2024 and current regulations index ↗Official / publisher source: NCBI Bookshelf ↗Official / publisher source: PubMed ↗