Basics & Fundamentals
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de Winter T Waves (OMI Pattern)
Key Points STEMI Equivalent: The de Winter ECG pattern is an uncommon STEMI equivalent indicative of an unstable proximal occlusion of the LAD (left anterior descending coronary artery). Treat the…
ECG Evidence of Reperfusion After Occlusion
Key Points Occlusions can spontaneously reperfuse and re-occlude. The ECG often changes faster and more reliably than symptoms alone. Rapid resolution of ST elevation (typically >70 percent) is one of…
Pacemaker Syndrome
Key Points Pacemaker syndrome is a hemodynamic problem caused by loss of proper atrioventricular (AV) synchrony. Most commonly occurs with ventricular pacing that produces retrograde atrial activation, but can also…
Pacemaker Basics
Key Points Pacemakers treat bradyarrhythmias by delivering timed atrial, ventricular, or dual-chamber pacing when intrinsic activity is slow or absent. Know the major device types encountered in the ED: single-chamber,…
Paced Rhythms
Key Points Ventricular pacing changes depolarization, so ST–T segments often look “abnormal.” Expect appropriate discordance: ST/T deflect opposite the main QRS polarity. RV pacing (most common) ≈ LBBB pattern: wide…
Himalayan T Waves
Key Points Tall, broad-based T–U fusion that looks like a mountain peak, usually from severe hypokalemia; think high torsades risk until proven otherwise. Hallmark is prolonged repolarization: QT appears long…
Pediatric ECG Essentials
Key Points Pediatric ECGs are not scaled-down adult ECGs. Right axis deviation, large R waves in V1, and T wave inversions in V1 to V3 are expected in healthy children….
Pseudo-Wellens Waves
Key Points Pseudo-Wellens waves are anterior T-wave patterns that mimic the biphasic or deeply inverted T waves of true Wellens syndrome but are caused by non-LAD, non-ischemic physiology. These normal-variant…
Wellens Waves
Key Points Wellens waves are anterior precordial T wave abnormalities (biphasic or deeply inverted) most often in V2–V3, occasionally extending to V1 and V4–V6. They signal a high likelihood of…
T Wave Alternans
Key Points Definition: Beat-to-beat alternation in T wave amplitude or morphology with stable P waves and QRS complexes. Significance: A visible marker of ventricular electrical instability. Strongly associated with torsades,…
Torsade de Pointes (TdP)
Key Points Definition: TdP is a specific subtype of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with a prolonged QTc interval. It often presents with a “twisting” pattern on ECG but can be…
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT): Core Overview
Key Points VT is a ventricular-origin rhythm: ≥3 consecutive ventricular beats, QRS >120 ms, rate usually 120–250 bpm. Types include monomorphic VT, polymorphic VT, torsades (PMVT with long QT), ventricular…
Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs)
Key Points PACs are early atrial depolarizations from an ectopic focus that create a premature P wave with a different morphology and axis than the sinus P wave, usually followed…
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
Key Points Prevalence: The most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, particularly prevalent among elderly individuals, associated with increased stroke, heart failure, and mortality risks. Mechanism: Caused by chaotic, multiple reentry circuits…
Post-Cardiac Arrest ECGs
Key Points Early post-ROSC ECGs often mislead. Within the first 8–10 minutes, transient global ischemia and catecholamines can exaggerate ST changes. Plan a repeat at 10–15 minutes before making cath…
First-Degree AV Block
Key Points Defined by a PR interval >200 ms with consistent 1:1 AV conduction and no dropped QRS complexes. Conduction delay is most often at the AV node; His–Purkinje delay…
Premature Junctional Complexes (PJCs)
Key Points PJCs are premature impulses from ectopic foci in or near the AV junction. ECG hallmark is a narrow premature beat with an absent or retrograde P wave. Retrograde…
J Point Basics
Key Points The J point is the junction where QRS ends and the ST segment begins. It is a location, not a waveform. ST deviation is judged at the J…
Blocked Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs)
Key Points Definition: early ectopic atrial beats that do not conduct to the ventricles. You see a premature P wave with no following QRS and a pause that is usually…
J Wave Basics
Key Points Definitions: The J point is the QRS–ST junction (a location). A J wave is an added deflection at or just after that point (notch or slur). Why it…
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