Core

Results:
ECG STAT July 17, 2025
Terminal QRS Distortion: OMI Pattern

Key Points: What it is: In V2 or V3, there is no S wave (the R does not descend below the PQ baseline) and no J wave (no notch/slur at…

ECG STAT July 16, 2025
Digoxin Toxicity

Key Points Narrow therapeutic window: Small dosing errors or renal decline can push serum digoxin above the safe range. Excess automaticity + AV block: Toxicity increases atrial and ventricular irritability…

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
Left Axis Deviation: Basics

Key Points Definition: LAD occurs when the QRS axis is between –30° and –90°. ECG Pattern: QRS positive in Lead I QRS negative in Lead aVF Clinical Use: LAD can…

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…

ECG STAT July 15, 2025
Normal QRS Axis

Key Points Normal Axis Range: –30° to +90° Lead I: QRS complex is positive Lead aVF: QRS complex is positive → This combination confirms a normal QRS axis Frontal plane…

ECG STAT July 13, 2025
Interval Interpretation

Key Points: Intervals are your ECG safety rails. Before you get seduced by ST segments and T waves, lock down PR, QRS, and QT/QTc. They frequently reveal the real danger…

ECG STAT July 12, 2025
Fusion Beats

Key Points Definition: A fusion beat occurs when two impulses — one from the normal conduction system (typically supraventricular) and one from an ectopic ventricular focus (e.g., during VT) —…

ECG STAT July 11, 2025
History of the “STAT ECG”

Key Points The ECG is a cornerstone of acute care medicine, offering immediate, non-invasive insight into cardiac function in critically ill patients. Its evolution spans over a century, from rudimentary…

ECG STAT July 1, 2025
Pseudonormalization of T Waves

Key Points Definition: Pseudonormalization is the apparent normalization of previously inverted T waves, often signaling reocclusion of a coronary artery that had recently reperfused. Mechanism: During reperfusion, ischemic T wave…

ECG STAT June 12, 2025
Sinus Tachycardia

Key Points Definition: Sinus tachycardia is a regular rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, defined by a heart rate >100 bpm in adults or above age-adjusted norms in children….

ECG STAT May 14, 2025
Trifascicular Block

Key Points Definition: Trifascicular block describes ECG evidence of impaired conduction across all three fascicles: right bundle branch (RBB), left anterior fascicle (LAF), and left posterior fascicle (LPF). Common Usage:…

ECG STAT April 25, 2025
Slow Atrial Fibrillation

Key Points Definition: Atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response, usually < 60 bpm. ECG: Irregularly irregular rhythm, no discrete P waves, slow R-R intervals. Common causes: AV-nodal blockers (digoxin,…

ECG STAT April 20, 2025
Precordial Swirl: OMI Pattern

Key Points Definition: The precordial swirl sign refers to a rotational pattern of ST-segment abnormalities across the precordial leads, suggesting a dynamic and evolving occlusion myocardial infarction (OMI). It is…

ECG STAT April 14, 2025
Unifasicular Block

Key Points Definition: Unifascicular block refers to conduction delay or interruption in a single fascicle of the ventricular conduction system: the right bundle branch (RBB), left anterior fascicle (LAF), or…

ECG STAT April 11, 2025
QRS Voltage: Basics

Key Points: Definition: QRS voltage represents the amplitude (height) of the QRS complex on ECG, reflecting ventricular electrical activity during depolarization. High Voltage: Increased QRS voltage typically indicates ventricular hypertrophy—most…

ECG STAT March 28, 2025
Sodium Channel Blocker Toxicity

Key Points: Recognizing the Danger: Sodium channel blocker toxicity can present with a variety of ECG changes that are critical to recognize, especially in patients with altered mental status or…

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