Key Points: An ECG records voltage differences over time. The ECG tracing is a plot where the horizontal axis is time and the vertical axis is voltage. Leads are viewpoints….
Key Points: BiVT is a regular wide-complex tachycardia with strict beat-to-beat alternation of QRS axis and/or bundle-branch pattern (often an approximately 180° frontal-plane axis flip). In adults, assume digoxin toxicity…
Key Points: The ECG’s primary role in ACS is detecting acute coronary occlusion. Acute coronary occlusion myocardial infarction (OMI) is a time-critical diagnosis that requires immediate reperfusion. Time is myocardium….
Key Points: Traditional STEMI criteria miss many acute coronary occlusions. A substantial proportion of true OMIs do not meet classic millimetric STEMI thresholds. OMI is a pathophysiologic diagnosis, not an…
Key Points: Definition: QT is measured from QRS onset to T-wave end. It reflects total ventricular depolarization plus repolarization. Use QTc: QT varies with heart rate. Interpret QTc, not the…
Key Points: The JT interval isolates ventricular repolarization by removing QRS duration from the QT. JT = QT − QRS. It is most useful when the QRS is wide, where…
Key Points: Definition: PR interval runs from P-wave onset to the first ventricular deflection (start of QRS). It reflects atrial depolarization plus conduction through the AV node and His-Purkinje system….
Key Points: The RR interval is the time between consecutive R waves. It is the most practical way to assess rate and regularity. RR is the backbone of rhythm interpretation:…
Key Points: Every ECG tracing is built from waveforms (deflections), segments (baseline portions between waveforms), and intervals (time that include waveforms plus segments). Waveforms describe electrical events (depolarization or repolarization)….
Key Points: The ECG is the fastest bedside test for rhythm, conduction, ischemia, and tox-metabolic disease. It only saves lives when interpreted systematically and acted on. In acute care, the…
Key Points: The QT interval reflects the time it takes for total ventricular depolarization and repolarization (Q wave onset to T wave end). QT prolongation increases the risk of torsades…
Key Points: Prolonged QTc is the hallmark ECG change in hypocalcemia, driven mainly by ST-segment prolongation with relatively normal T-wave shape. Hypocalcemia can increase arrhythmia risk, including TdP, but TdP…
Key Points: Baseline ECG abnormalities do not protect patients from occlusion MI. They increase miss rates because they distort the ST segment and T waves. The core question is not…
Key Points: Lateral and high-lateral STEMI often present with subtle ST elevation and are commonly missed or labeled as nonspecific ST-T changes. Small-appearing ECG changes may represent true coronary occlusion…
Key Points: Inferior STEMI is the most common STEMI subtype and is frequently complicated by right ventricular and posterior involvement. Inferior occlusion may present with classic ST elevation, subtle ischemic…
Key Points: Anterior STEMI represents large myocardial territory at risk and carries the highest mortality among STEMI subtypes. Early recognition and reperfusion are critical. LAD occlusion may present with classic…
Key Points: High risk of missed diagnosis. Isolated posterior occlusion MI is frequently missed because ST elevation is absent on the standard 12-lead ECG. Instead, posterior infarction most often presents…
Key Points: Early repolarization (ER) is a common, benign ECG pattern that most often appears in young, healthy patients. It can closely resemble acute anterior STEMI, creating a high-risk diagnostic…
Key Points: LV aneurysm pattern is a post MI scar pattern with persistent ST elevation in the prior infarct territory, usually with pathologic Q waves and a stable, non evolving…
Key Points: ST elevation is a pattern, not a diagnosis. STEMI represents one cause of ST elevation and requires correlation with ECG morphology, distribution, evolution, and clinical context. Most ED…