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…
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 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 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: 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,…
Key Points Definition: SA exit block occurs when the sinus node generates impulses that are blocked before they can activate the right atrium, leading to dropped P waves on the…
Key Points: STEMI Diagnosis and Contiguous Leads: While current guidelines typically require ST elevation (STE) in at least two contiguous leads for the diagnosis of STEMI, this practice is not…