Basics & Fundamentals

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Congenital Long QT Syndrome

Key Points Congenital Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a group of genetic disorders characterized by a prolonged QT interval on ECG, leading to an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and…

Acquired Long QT Syndrome

Key Points Acquired Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is the most common form of LQTS, resulting from medications, electrolyte disturbances, or underlying medical conditions. High-risk factors include the use of multiple…

Subtle ST Segment Elevation (OMI Pattern)

Key Points ACS Dynamics: Occluded arteries in ACS can spontaneously reperfuse and reocclude, making ECG findings variable. Limitations of Computer Interpretation: Subtle STE is often missed by computerized ECG interpretation;…

Ectopic Atrial Rhythm

Key Points Definition: Ectopic atrial rhythms occur when atrial depolarization originates from a site other than the sinoatrial (SA) node, producing P waves with abnormal morphology and axis on ECG….

Brugada Syndrome (BrS)

Key Points Life-Threatening Sodium Channelopathy: Predisposes to ventricular arrhythmias (VF/VT) and sudden cardiac death (SCD), often in otherwise “healthy” hearts. When to Suspect BrS: Patients with syncope, unexplained “seizures,” ventricular…

Sinoatrial Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (SANRT)

Key Points Definition: Sinoatrial Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia (SANRT) is a rare type of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) characterized by a reentry circuit within the sinoatrial (SA) node, similar in mechanism…

Left Bundle Branch Block

Key Points Definition: LBBB occurs when electrical conduction through the left bundle branch is delayed or blocked, resulting in asynchronous and delayed activation of the left ventricle (LV) and a…

Hypomagnesemia

Key Points Prolonged QT & PR Intervals significantly increase the risk of torsades de pointes and other arrhythmias. Atrial & Ventricular Ectopy is common; can progress to life-threatening ventricular tachycardia….

WPW Syndrome and Pseudo-MI patterns

Key Points WPW Pattern Mimics: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome can produce an ECG pattern that mimics conditions such as myocardial infarction, ventricular bigeminy, accelerated idioventricular rhythm, and electrical alternans. ST Segment…

Hyperkalemia Emergencies

Key Points Severe Hyperkalemia Mimics Several Life-Threatening Conditions: Hyperkalemia can produce a wide range of ECG abnormalities that resemble unstable brady and tachy arrhythmias, STEMI, and can also cause pacemaker…

Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM)

Key Points Definition & Terminology:  Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM), previously known as Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy/Dysplasia (ARVC/D), is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive fibrofatty replacement of the ventricular myocardium, predominantly…

Atrial Parasystole

Key Points Definition: A rare arrhythmia in which a secondary atrial focus fires at its own inherent rate, largely “shielded” from sinus node impulses. Characteristic ECG Finding: Two distinct P-wave…

Early Repolarization vs. STEMI

Key Points Differentiation Challenge: Early repolarization (ER) is a benign ECG pattern often seen in healthy young individuals, characterized by ST segment elevation that can mimic STEMI and acute pericarditis….

Upright T waves in V1

Key Point Normal T Wave in V1: The normal ECG typically shows a flat or inverted T-wave in lead V1. Upright T-Wave Abnormality: An upright T-wave in V1 (TV1) should…

WPW with Antidromic SVT

Key Points WPW Syndrome: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a condition characterized by ventricular pre-excitation due to a congenital accessory pathway in patients with symptomatic arrhythmias. ECG Recognition: The classic WPW…

WPW with Orthodromic SVT

Key Points WPW syndrome is caused by congenital ventricular pre-excitation via an accessory pathway. The classic sinus rhythm pattern includes a short PR interval, delta wave, and a widened QRS,…

Attending Level ECG Curriculum

Competencies: At the attending level, expert emergency and acute care physicians should proficiently interpret STAT ECGs to diagnose a wide range of emergent conditions—particularly those that are rapidly fatal. Mastery…

PGY-3 (Advanced) Resident ECG Curriculum

The Goals: Master rare and complex ECG findings and correlate them with clinical urgency. Integrate ECG data into immediate treatment decisions (e.g., combining with POCUS, vital signs, and physical exam)….

PGY-2 (Intermediate) Resident Curriculum

The Goals: Enhance speed and accuracy in ECG interpretation through repetition and practice. Recognize subtler findings and expand your differential diagnoses. Integrate nuanced ECG changes into clinical decision-making. Mentor junior…

PGY-1 (Foundational Resident) Curriculum

The Goals:  Establish a systematic approach, identify common arrhythmias, distinguish normal variants from dangerous abnormalities, and maintain a strong emphasis on clinical correlation. Core Topics Systematic Interpretation Step-by-Step Method: Rate…

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