Approaching the ECG: a first-year framework

Start with the rate

Before anything else, decide whether the rhythm is fast, slow, or normal. This single habit prevents most beginner mistakes when reading an ECG.

Then the rhythm

Look for P waves and ask whether every QRS has one. Regularity and the P–QRS relationship tell you most of what you need early on.

Practice on ten strips a day for two weeks and the pattern recognition becomes automatic.