ELECTROCARDIOGRAM
Electrocardiogram Because the body fluids are good conductors (ie, because the body is a volume conductor), fluctuations in potential, representing the algebraic sum of the action potentials of myocardial fibers, can be recorded extracellularly. The record of these fluctuations in potential during the cardiac cycle is the ECG. The ECG may be recorded by using an active or exploring electrode connected to an indifferent electrode at zero potential (unipolar recording) or by using two active electrodes (bipolar recording). In a volume conductor, the sum of the potentials at the points of an equilateral triangle with a current source in the center is zero at all times. A triangle with the heart at its center (Einthoven triangle, see below) can be approximated by placing electrodes on both arms and on the left leg. These are the three standard limb leads used in electrocardiography. If these electrodes are connected to a common terminal, an indifferent electrode that stays near zero potent...