What term describes the direction of electrical stimulus in the heart?

What term describes the direction of electrical stimulus in the heart?

• A. Waveform
• B. Amplitude
• C. Vector
• D. Current

Answer: (C)

The term that describes the direction of electrical stimulus in the heart is "vector." In cardiology, a vector refers to the graphical representation of the magnitude and direction of the electrical activity as it spreads through the heart. This vectorial concept helps in understanding how electrical impulses travel from one part of the heart to another, influencing the heart's contraction and ultimately its rhythm and function.

Vectors are essential in interpreting EKGs since they depict the orientation of electrical activity in relation to the leads placed on the body. Each lead captures the electrical impulse from a specific angle, and by analyzing these vectors, healthcare providers can determine the heart's electrical axis, identify any abnormalities, and assess the overall electrical health of the heart.

In contrast, terms like waveform refer to the graphical representation of the electrical activity on an EKG, amplitude pertains to the height of waves on an EKG tracing indicating voltage, and current describes the flow of electric charge. While these terms relate to the electrical activity of the heart, they do not specifically address the directional aspect that is captured by the concept of a vector.