What does a normal EKG reading show?

A normal EKG (electrocardiogram) reading is characterized by a regular heart rhythm and normal electrical activity of the heart. This means that the heart beats at a consistent rate and has a predictable pattern without any unusual fluctuations or irregularities in the electrical signals that coordinate heartbeats.

In a normal EKG, you would typically observe consistent P waves, QRS complexes, and T waves that indicate the heart's proper functioning. Each component of the waveform corresponds to specific phases of the heart's electrical cycle, which include atrial depolarization, ventricular depolarization, and ventricular repolarization. Such patterns indicate that the heart is functioning effectively and is not experiencing any electrical disturbances that could lead to complications.

Irregular heart rhythms, abnormal spikes in electrical activity, and rapid heart rates with arrhythmias indicate various types of cardiac issues or disorders and would appear as deviations from the normal EKG trace, thus confirming that a normal reading reflects a healthy heart in steady state.