ECG Interpretation
Results:
Q Wave: Basics
Key Points Definition and Measurement: A Q wave is the first negative deflection of the QRS. Measure width in ms from the onset below baseline to its return to baseline;…
QRS Complex: Basics
Key Points: Definition and measurement: The QRS complex is ventricular depolarization, measured from the earliest ventricular deflection (Q or R) to the latest S return to baseline in any lead….
R Wave: Basics
Key Points Definition: The R wave is the first positive deflection of the QRS complex, reflecting early ventricular depolarization, predominantly of the left ventricle. Normal progression: Precordial R amplitude increases…
TP Segment: Basics
Key Points Definition: The TP segment is the isoelectric interval from the end of the T wave to the start of the P wave. It reflects electrical diastole when the…
U Wave: Basics
Key Points Definition and origin: The U wave is a small deflection following the T wave, best seen in V2–V3. It likely reflects late ventricular repolarization or Purkinje repolarization. Normal…
T Wave: Basics
Key Points Definition: The T wave reflects ventricular repolarization. Measure amplitude from baseline to peak and identify the end of T to help define the QT interval. Normal appearance: Upright…
S Wave: Basics
Key Points Definition and measurement: The S wave is the first negative deflection after the R wave within the QRS. Measure depth in mm from baseline to nadir; width contributes…
Isoelectric Segment of the ECG
Key Points The reference for ST-segment shift is the J point relative to an isoelectric baseline. The two candidates for that baseline are the TP segment and the PR segment….
Understanding ECG Artifacts
Key Points Artifacts = non-cardiac signals that distort or obscure true ECG. They come from the patient, leads/equipment, or the environment. Clues to artifact: lacks a physiologic pattern, varies beat-to-beat…
Ischemia & Infarction Interpretation
Key Points: The ECG is the fastest bedside tool for detecting acute coronary occlusion and dynamic ischemia, often before troponin changes and sometimes before classic symptoms. Acute coronary syndromes are…
Regularly Irregular Rhythm: Basics
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…
Regular Rhythm: Basics
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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) —…
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…
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;…
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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