Key Points: Definition: A regularly irregular rhythm occurs when the distance between R-R intervals or P-P intervals varies in a consistent, repeating pattern throughout the ECG tracing. Significance: Determining the…
Key Points Rhythm Regularity: Regular rhythm is characterized by equal distances between consecutive P waves (P-P intervals) and QRS complexes (R-R intervals). Verify rhythms with calipers—don’t trust the machine interpretation…
Key Points Don’t trust the ECG machines automated interpretation. Confirm the rhythm yourself. Start with the ventricles (R–R pattern), then the atria (P waves), then the AV relationship (PR behavior/P:QRS)….
Key Points: Clinical Context: A single normal 12-lead ECG in the emergent setting does not exclude life-threatening conditions such as occlusion MI, PE, tamponade, tension pneumothorax, or aortic dissection. Serial…
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…
Key Points Definition: Phasic variation in sinus rate with respiration. P-P intervals shorten on inspiration and lengthen on expiration, producing a mild, patterned irregularity. Diagnostic threshold: Difference between the shortest…
Key Points Definition: Slow ventricular tachycardia is defined as a wide complex tachycardia with a ventricular rate between 100–120 bpm. Distinction: Typical sustained VT usually exceeds 120 bpm. When encountering…
Key Points Definition: Sinus pause/arrest is failure of the sinus node to generate an impulse, producing a transient absence of P waves. On ECG the pause does not equal an…
Key Points Definition: The R on T phenomenon occurs when an ectopic impulse (often a PVC or cardioversion shock) falls on the T wave of the preceding beat. Mechanism: Interrupting…
Key Points Definition: Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is a rare type of irregularly irregular supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) characterized by the presence of at least three or more different P wave…
Key Points Clinical Context: Abnormal ECGs must be interpreted within the patient’s presentation. Not all abnormalities are life-threatening, and high-risk conditions can still appear subtle or even “normal.” Serial Monitoring:…
Key Points RV involvement accompanies up to ~40% of inferior STEMIs; isolated RV infarction is uncommon but high-impact when missed. Think RV MI when inferior STEMI is present and you…
Key Points: Definition: Progressive PR interval prolongation until one atrial impulse fails to conduct to the ventricles (P wave is non-conducted), after which the cycle repeats. Site of Block: Typically…
Key Points: Definition: A form of second-degree AV block in which every other atrial impulse is blocked, producing a 2:1 atrioventricular conduction ratio. Typing Limitation: Differentiating between Mobitz I and…
Key Points Definition: Sudden failure of AV conduction after at least two consecutive conducted beats with identical PR intervals, followed by a single non‑conducted P wave. Sinus rate: P–P interval…
Key Points ECG as a Critical Diagnostic Tool: In toxicology, the ECG is often the first and most reliable clue. Early recognition of drug-induced conduction disturbances or arrhythmias can guide…
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…
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…
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,…
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…