1. What is the Heart Rate ECG Calculation?

The heart rate calculation from ECG measures the number of heartbeats per minute (bpm) by analyzing the distance between R waves (RR interval) on an ECG strip recorded at standard 25mm/s paper speed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( HR \) — Heart rate in beats per minute (bpm)
• \( RR_{interval} \) — Distance between consecutive R waves in millimeters (mm)
• 1500 — Constant for 25mm/s paper speed (25mm/s × 60s = 1500mm/min)

Explanation: The formula converts the distance between heartbeats on the ECG paper into beats per minute.

3. Importance of Heart Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate heart rate measurement is essential for assessing cardiac rhythm, detecting arrhythmias, and monitoring patient condition during procedures or in critical care.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure the RR interval in millimeters between two consecutive R waves on an ECG recorded at 25mm/s speed. Enter this value to calculate the heart rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my ECG was recorded at 50mm/s?
A: For 50mm/s paper speed, use the formula: HR = 3000 / RR_interval_mm

Q2: What is a normal heart rate?
A: Normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60-100 bpm. Athletes may have lower normal rates (40-60 bpm).

Q3: How do I measure RR interval accurately?
A: Use calipers or a ruler to measure from the peak of one R wave to the next in lead II or whichever lead shows the clearest R waves.

Q4: What about irregular rhythms?
A: For irregular rhythms, measure several RR intervals and calculate the average for more accurate heart rate estimation.

Q5: Why 1500 as the constant?
A: 1500 comes from 25mm/s paper speed × 60 seconds/minute = 1500 mm/minute, converting space on paper to time.