What is atrial depolarization in ECG?

The P wave and PR segment is an integral part of an electrocardiogram (ECG). It represents the electrical depolarization of the atria of the heart. It is typically a small positive deflection from the isoelectric baseline that occurs just before the QRS complex.

What is atrial depolarization and repolarization?

The QRS wave is produced by the atrioventricular node (AV). The P wave in an ECG complex indicates atrial depolarization. The QRS is responsible for ventricular depolarization and the T wave is ventricular repolarization. If a P wave is absent there is a lack of atrial depolarization.

What does depolarization mean heart?

Depolarization of the heart is the orderly passage of electrical current sequentially through the heart muscle, changing it, cell by cell, from the resting polarized state to the depolarized state until the entire heart is depolarized. This is a condition where the heart is no longer beating.

What shows atrial depolarization?

Atrial and ventricular depolarization and repolarization are represented on the ECG as a series of waves: the P wave followed by the QRS complex and the T wave. The first deflection is the P wave associated with right and left atrial depolarization.

Is atrial depolarization the same as contraction?

The P wave of the ECG represents atrial depolarization, which is followed by contraction and an increase in pressure in the atria (atrial systole). The AV valves are open, and there is no valve between the atria and veins, so this small increase in pressure is also evident in the ventricle (a wave) and in the veins.

When does atrial repolarization occur?

There is no distinctly visible wave representing atrial repolarization in the ECG because it occurs during ventricular depolarization. Because the wave of atrial repolarization is relatively small in amplitude (i.e., has low voltage), it is masked by the much larger ventricular-generated QRS complex.

Where is atrial repolarization found?

Compared with the QRS complex, the electrocardiographic (ECG) deflection due to atrial depolarization is small in both amplitude and area. Atrial repolarization is usually hidden by the ensuing QRS complex (1).

When does atrial depolarization occur?

The P wave indicates atrial depolarization. The P wave occurs when the sinus node, also known as the sinoatrial node, creates an action potential that depolarizes the atria. The P wave should be upright in lead II if the action potential is originating from the SA node.