RR Interval Formula:
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The RR interval is the time between successive R waves of the QRS complex on the electrocardiogram (ECG). It's used to calculate heart rate and assess heart rhythm abnormalities.
The calculator uses the RR interval formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts the measured distance on ECG paper to time in milliseconds, accounting for the paper recording speed.
Details: RR interval measurement is essential for determining heart rate, diagnosing arrhythmias, and assessing heart rate variability which can indicate autonomic nervous system function.
Tips: Measure the distance between R waves in millimeters, enter this value and the ECG paper speed (usually 25 mm/s). The calculator will output the interval in milliseconds.
Q1: What is the normal RR interval?
A: Normal RR interval varies with heart rate. At 60 bpm, it's 1000 msec; at 75 bpm, 800 msec; at 100 bpm, 600 msec.
Q2: Why convert to milliseconds?
A: Milliseconds are the standard unit for precise timing measurements in cardiology and for calculating heart rate (HR = 60000/RR_msec).
Q3: What paper speeds are commonly used?
A: Standard ECG recording uses 25 mm/s, but sometimes 50 mm/s is used for faster heart rates or detailed analysis.
Q4: How do I measure RR interval on ECG paper?
A: Measure from the peak of one R wave to the peak of the next R wave. Each small box is 1 mm (40 msec at 25 mm/s).
Q5: Can this be used for irregular rhythms?
A: Yes, but you may want to average several RR intervals for irregular rhythms like atrial fibrillation.