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Results:
ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Slow Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

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…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Sinus Arrest

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…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
R-on-T Phenomenon

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…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT)

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…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Abnormal STAT ECG

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:…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Right Ventricular STEMI: Criteria & Pitfalls

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…

ECG STAT July 28, 2025
Second-Degree AV Block Type II (Mobitz II)

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…

ECG STAT July 25, 2025
Toxicologic Emergencies

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…

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…

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