Approach

Results:
ECG STAT September 1, 2025
R Wave: Basics

Key Points Definition: The R wave is the first positive deflection of the QRS complex, reflecting early ventricular depolarization, predominantly of the left ventricle. Normal progression: Precordial R amplitude increases…

ECG STAT September 1, 2025
Wide & Regular Tachydysrhythmia DDx

Key Points: Definition: Wide complex tachycardia (WCT) = QRS >120 ms with a steady R-R interval. This section focuses on regular WCT (RWCT). Wide & irregular rhythms are covered separately…

ECG STAT August 13, 2025
Ischemia & Infarction Interpretation

Key Points: The ECG is the fastest bedside tool for detecting acute coronary occlusion and dynamic ischemia, often before troponin changes and sometimes before classic symptoms. Acute coronary syndromes are…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Irregularly Irregular Rhythm: Basics

Key Points: Definition: An irregularly irregular rhythm occurs when the R-R intervals or P-P intervals vary with no consistent pattern, making the rhythm unpredictable and abnormal. Clinical Significance: Identifying an…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Heart Rate & Rhythm Interpretation

Key Points: Treat the patient, not just the number or rhythm. Start with a 10-second stability check. If the rhythm explains hypotension, shock, ischemic chest pain, altered mentation, or severe…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Wide & Irregular Tachycardia: DDx

Key Points: Definition: QRS >120 ms with an irregular ventricular rate. Clinical Priority: Always first consider AF with accessory pathway (AF + WPW) and polymorphic VT (PMVT, including torsades) —…

ECG STAT July 15, 2025
QRS Axis Interpretation: Basics

Key Points: Definition: The QRS axis reflects the net direction of ventricular depolarization and is expressed in degrees on the frontal plane. Why It Matters: Axis assessment is a fast,…

ECG STAT July 15, 2025
Extreme Axis Deviation: Basics

Key Points Definition: Extreme axis deviation (aka “Northwest Axis”) occurs when the QRS axis is between –90° and ±180°. ECG Clue: QRS negative in Lead I QRS negative in Lead…

ECG STAT July 15, 2025
Indeterminate QRS Axis: Basics

Key Points Definition: An indeterminate QRS axis (also called “no man’s land”) occurs when the frontal QRS vector lies between –90° and ±180°, but no dominant direction is evident. ECG…

ECG STAT July 15, 2025
Right Axis Deviation: Basics

Key Points Definition: Right Axis Deviation (RAD) occurs when the QRS axis is > +90°, typically up to +180°. ECG Criteria: Negative QRS in Lead I Positive QRS in Lead…

ECG STAT July 15, 2025
Right Axis Deviation: DDx

Top 3 Emergent Causes of New Rightward Axis Deviation: When you see new RAD in an adult, immediately consider life-threatening etiologies: Acute Right Heart Strain Pulmonary embolism until proven otherwise…

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