Check the patient’s name, date, and time on the strip
Verify the paper speed and calibration
Assess the heart rate
Determine the rhythm regularity
Identify P waves
Measure the PR interval
Measure the QRS duration
Evaluate the QT interval
Determine the cardiac axis
Assess atrial activity
Assess ventricular activity
Look for conduction blocks
Look for signs of ischemia
Look for signs of infarction
Look for hypertrophy
Compare with prior EKGs
Correlate findings with symptoms and clinical context