Check patient name, date, time, and clinical context
Verify calibration and lead placement
Assess heart rate
Assess rhythm
Assess regularity
Identify P waves
Measure PR interval
Measure QRS duration
Measure QT and QTc intervals
Determine cardiac axis
Evaluate P wave morphology
Evaluate QRS morphology
Look for bundle branch block
Look for pathologic Q waves
Assess R wave progression
Check for ST elevation or depression
Check for T wave inversion or peaking
Check for U waves
Look for signs of ischemia
Look for signs of infarction
Look for signs of hypertrophy
Look for electrolyte abnormalities
Look for medication effects
Compare with prior EKGs
Correlate findings with symptoms and exam