Basics & Fundamentals
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Second-Degree AV Block with 2:1 Conduction
Key Points: Definition: A form of second-degree AV block in which every other atrial impulse is blocked, producing a 2:1 atrioventricular conduction ratio. Typing Limitation: Differentiating between Mobitz I and…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Bifascicular Block
Key Points Definition: Conduction block in any two of the three fascicles: right bundle branch (RBB), left anterior fascicle (LAF), or left posterior fascicle (LPF). High-Risk OMI Pattern: New RBBB…
Bundle Branch Blocks
Key Point Types: The two main BBBs are Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) and Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB). Impact on ECG: Both widen the QRS (>120 ms) and produce…
Dextrocardia
Key Points Dextrocardia is a congenital condition where the heart is located on the right side of the thorax. Situs inversus totalis refers to complete reversal of all thoracic and…
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…
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) —…
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…
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…
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…
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