Fluke Biomedical ProSim 6 - Manual (Page 98)

ProSim™ 6/8
Users Manual
A-4
are connected to small plastic or metal cables called leads, or electrodes. Put on the chest,
the wrists of the right and left arms, and the left leg at the ankle, these electrodes transmit
signals to a recorder. The recorder makes lines in the shape of waves on graph paper in
the ECG machine, follow the heart's electrical activity (rate) and its rhythm (beat). Each
contraction of a normal heart causes a normal sinus rhythm (NSR) waveform, also
referred to as the P QRS T waveform.
Frequent Multifocal PVCS
A sequence that includes a left-focus PVC followed by normal beats, alternating with a
right-focus PVC followed by normal beats. Frequent multifocal PVCs are initiated by a
number of different ectopic pacemakers in the ventricles, with events occurring at least
five times per minute, and usually more often.
Gram
A metric unit of mass and weight, equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram, about 0.035
ounces.
Heart Block: First, Second, and Third Degree
Three heart-block simulations, running as repeating sequences. A heart block is a
condition wherein the signal generated by the SA node is delayed or is blocked (partially
or completely) in its journey to the ventricles. Because this condition typically occurs at
the AV (atrioventicular) junction, a more precise term for heart block is atrioventricular
block. When the conduction time from the atria to the ventricles becomes delayed
(usually resulting in a P-R interval greater than 0.20 seconds), it is referred to as a first-
degree block. When impulses from the atria occasionally do not reach the ventricles, the
block is considered partial or incomplete and is referred to as a second-degree block.
Finally, when no impulses whatsoever are able to enter the ventricles from the atria, the
heart block is complete and is referred to as a third-degree block. As a consequence of a
third-degree block, the atria and the ventricles beat at their own separate rates.
Hemoglobin
The oxygen-bearing, iron-containing conjugated protein in vertebrate red blood cells,
consisting of about 6 per cent heme and 94 per cent globin.
Hertz
A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second. Used to measure electrical current and
light, especially ultraviolet radiation (as in fluorescent light).
Impedance
A measure of the total opposition to current in a circuit.
Infrared
Of, pertaining to, or being electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths greater than
those of visible light and shorter than those of microwaves.
Joule
A unit of energy, equal to the work done when a current of one ampere is passed through
a resistance of one ohm for one second.
Kilogram
The fundamental unit of mass in the International System, about 2.2046 pounds.
LCD
Liquid crystal display. A digital display consisting of a liquid crystal material between
sheets of glass that becomes readable in the presence of an applied voltage.
Meter
The fundamental unit of length, equivalent to 39.37 inches, in the metric system.