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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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) —…
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…
Key Points Do not fully trust computer interpretations of “normal” ECGs, they may miss significant abnormalities. Computer algorithms can miss early ischemic signs such as reciprocal changes in aVL and…
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…
Key Points RBBB delays right ventricular activation. The left ventricle depolarizes normally via the left bundle; the right ventricle is activated late through myocardial spread. ECG hallmark: wide QRS and…
Key Points 1. Paced Rhythms and Acute MI Detection: Ventricular paced rhythms significantly alter ST segment and T wave morphology, complicating acute myocardial infarction (MI) recognition. Accurate ECG interpretation in…
Key Points LBBB Does Not Exclude Acute Coronary Occlusion: LBBB alters ventricular activation, leading to expected secondary ST/T abnormalities. However, acute occlusion myocardial infarction (OMI) can and must still be…
Key Points Wide QRS Rhythms Can Mask OMI: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) and right ventricular (RV)-paced rhythms alter ventricular depolarization, producing expected secondary ST/T changes. However, acute occlusion MI…
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….
Key Points What It Is: A rare autosomal dominant sodium channelopathy that leads to episodic muscle weakness or paralysis in the setting of elevated serum potassium. Named after “Impressive,” the…
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:…
Key Points Definition: Sinus bradycardia is a rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node with a rate < 60 bpm. Physiological Occurrence: Common in young, healthy adults, athletes, and during…
Key Points Definition: Right atrial enlargement (RAE) is an increase in the size of the right atrium, typically resulting from chronic pressure or volume overload, commonly related to cardiac or…
Key Points Short QT Syndrome (SQTS) is a rare condition characterized by a shortened QT interval on the ECG, increasing the risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, including sudden cardiac…