Understanding your medical notes
ECG results explained: what does my ECG (EKG) mean?
An ECG (called an EKG in the US) records your heart's electrical activity, and the report sums it up in clipped phrases like "sinus rhythm, rate 72, no acute changes". This guide explains what the common terms mean — and why a result labelled "abnormal" or "borderline" is often far less worrying than it sounds.
Skip the jargon — get your ECG report explained in seconds
Paste your ECG report (or upload a photo, PDF, or Word file) and Patiently AI turns the findings into clear, plain English. Free, no account, and identifying details are removed on your device first.
Explain my ECG report → Your text isn't stored. Available on web, iOS & Android.What an ECG report usually tells you
Most ECG reports comment on a few things: the rhythm (is the heartbeat regular and starting in the right place?), the rate (how fast, in beats per minute), and the waveforms (the shape of the electrical signal, which can hint at strain or past events). Many machines also print an automated interpretation — useful, but always confirmed by a clinician.
Common ECG terms, decoded
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Sinus rhythm / NSR | Normal heart rhythm starting in the right place — reassuring |
| Rate | Beats per minute (typically 60–100 at rest) |
| Bradycardia | A slow heart rate (under ~60 bpm) |
| Tachycardia | A fast heart rate (over ~100 bpm) |
| AF (atrial fibrillation) | A common irregular rhythm that needs medical review |
| Ectopic beats | Extra or early beats — very common, often harmless |
| ST elevation / depression | Changes that can indicate strain on the heart; need clinical review |
| T-wave changes | Variations in part of the waveform; meaning depends on context |
| QT interval | A timing measure of the heart's electrical cycle |
| LBBB / RBBB | Left / right bundle branch block — a conduction pattern |
| LVH | Left ventricular hypertrophy — thickening of the main pumping chamber |
| Normal ECG | No significant abnormality detected |
Come across a term that isn't here? Patiently AI's built-in medical glossary covers over 9,000 terms — or paste the whole report in and it explains everything in context.
How to read your ECG report, step by step
- Check the rhythm — "sinus rhythm" or "NSR" is the normal, reassuring finding.
- Note the rate — fast or slow, and whether that fits how you felt.
- Read any flagged changes — ST/T-wave changes or a named rhythm like AF are the ones to ask about.
- Don't panic at "borderline" or "abnormal" — these are often minor and need a clinician's eye.
- List your questions for the doctor reviewing it.
Worried by a line on your ECG report?
Patiently AI turns "Sinus rhythm, rate 68, nonspecific T-wave changes, otherwise normal ECG" into plain English — and explains what's reassuring and what's worth confirming with your doctor.
Try it with your own report → Paste, upload, or photograph your ECG report.Questions to ask the doctor about your ECG
- Is my heart rhythm normal?
- Does any flagged finding need treatment or further tests?
- Could my symptoms be related to what the ECG shows?
- Do I need a repeat ECG, monitoring, or a referral?
- Is there anything here I don't need to worry about?
Patiently AI generates personalised "Questions for your doctor" automatically from your report — so your appointment time goes further.
Frequently asked questions
What does "sinus rhythm" or "NSR" mean on an ECG?
Sinus rhythm means your heart's electrical activity starts in the normal place (the sinus node) and follows its normal path. NSR stands for normal sinus rhythm — a reassuring result. The rate is usually given alongside, typically 60–100 beats per minute at rest.
What is atrial fibrillation (AF) on an ECG?
AF is an irregular rhythm where the heart's upper chambers beat in a disorganised way. It's common, especially with age, and usually manageable — but it needs medical assessment because it can affect symptoms and stroke risk. If your ECG mentions AF, discuss it with your doctor.
Are ectopic beats dangerous?
Ectopic beats are extra or early heartbeats. They're extremely common, often felt as a "skipped beat", and in otherwise healthy hearts they're usually harmless. Frequent ectopics or those with symptoms should be reviewed, but on their own they're often nothing to worry about.
Does an "abnormal" ECG mean something is seriously wrong?
Not necessarily. ECG machines flag many findings as "abnormal" or "borderline" that turn out to be minor variants or harmless for that person. An ECG is interpreted alongside your symptoms, history, and sometimes further tests. Only your doctor can say what it means for you.
Can Patiently AI explain my ECG report?
Yes. Paste the report text — or upload a photo, PDF, or Word file — and Patiently AI explains the findings in plain English, decodes the terminology, and suggests questions to ask. It's free, needs no account, and removes identifying details on your device first. Note it explains the written report; it does not interpret the ECG tracing itself.