ECG Interpretation

Results:
ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Normal STAT ECG

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…

ECG STAT August 1, 2025
Heart Rate & Rhythm Interpretation

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…

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
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
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 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 12, 2025
QRS Morphology & Proportionality

Key Points QRS Morphology Reflects Conduction Pathways: The shape and width of the QRS complex help differentiate between normal conduction, conduction delays, and ventricular-origin rhythms. QRS–T Wave Proportionality Signals Repolarization…

ECG STAT July 12, 2025
Normal Sinus Rhythm

Key Points Definition: Normal sinus rhythm (NSR) refers to the heart’s rhythm when impulses originate from the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart’s primary pacemaker. This rhythm suggests that electrical impulses…

ECG STAT July 11, 2025
Normal Cardiac Conduction

Key Points SA Node: Initiates electrical impulses; primary pacemaker (60–100 bpm). AV Node: Slows conduction to permit ventricular filling. Bundle of His: Transmits impulses from the AV node to ventricles;…

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…

ECG STAT July 7, 2025
Computer Interpreted “Normal” ECGs

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…

ECG STAT July 1, 2025
Pseudonormalization of T Waves

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…

ECG STAT June 14, 2025
Escape-Capture Bigeminy

Key Points Escape-capture bigeminy is a unique rhythm characterized by alternating escape beats and normally conducted sinus beats, resulting in a bigeminal (paired) rhythm pattern. It typically occurs in patients…

ECG STAT May 11, 2025
Right Atrial Enlargement (RAE)

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…

ECG STAT May 8, 2025
Short QT Syndrome

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…

ECG STAT April 25, 2025
Sinoatrial Exit Block

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…

ECG STAT April 14, 2025
Unifasicular Block

Key Points Definition: Unifascicular block refers to conduction delay or interruption in a single fascicle of the ventricular conduction system: the right bundle branch (RBB), left anterior fascicle (LAF), or…

ECG STAT April 11, 2025
QRS Voltage: Basics

Key Points Definition: QRS voltage represents the amplitude (height) of the QRS complex on ECG, reflecting ventricular electrical activity during depolarization. High Voltage: Increased QRS voltage typically indicates ventricular hypertrophy—most…

ECG STAT March 12, 2025
QRS Fragmentation (fQRS)

Key Points Definition: QRS fragmentation (fQRS) refers to the presence of additional notches or spikes within the QRS complex, observed in at least two contiguous leads corresponding to a specific…

ECG STAT February 28, 2025
EMS ECGs in Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS)

Key Points for EMS Providers: You are the first critical link in the chain of survival for ACS patients—your actions set the course for their care, directly impacting time to…

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