The P Wave: Atrial Depolarization — ECG Academy Lesson

Use a conduction-pathway-first approach to analyze P waves: identify normal morphology, classify abnormal patterns, and infer rhythm origin from the P:QRS relationship.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how SA-node conduction produces the P wave and PR interval
• Identify normal P-wave characteristics in Lead II (direction, shape, duration, amplitude)
• Use P:QRS relationships to infer sinus, atrial, junctional, or blocked conduction patterns
• Recognize high-yield abnormal patterns: peaked, notched, absent, inverted, and flutter waves
• Escalate clinically significant P-wave changes using monitor-tech scope language