Basics & Fundamentals

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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…

Ventricular Escape Rhythms

Key Points Wide QRS Complex Rhythm: Ventricular escape rhythms (aka idioventricular rhythms) are characterized by a wide QRS duration (>120 ms), absent or dissociated P-waves, and a regular, slow ventricular…

Sinus Tachycardia

Key Points Definition: Sinus tachycardia is a regular rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, defined by a heart rate >100 bpm in adults or above age-adjusted norms in children….

Ashman Phenomenon

Key Points Definition: Ashman phenomenon is an aberrant intraventricular conduction pattern triggered by cycle-length variation. It is most often seen in atrial fibrillation but can appear in any supraventricular rhythm….

Sinoatrial Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (SANRT)

Key Points Mechanism: SANRT is a rare type of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) that operates through a similar mechanism as AV nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), with the reentry loop occurring…

Atrial Tachycardia

Key Points: Definition: Atrial tachycardia is a supraventricular arrhythmia characterized by rapid atrial depolarizations from one or more ectopic foci outside the SA node. Atrial Rate: > 100 bpm, typically…

Trifascicular Block

Key Points Definition: Trifascicular block describes ECG evidence of impaired conduction across all three fascicles: right bundle branch (RBB), left anterior fascicle (LAF), and left posterior fascicle (LPF). Common Usage:…

Slow Atrial Fibrillation

Key Points Definition: Atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response, usually < 60 bpm. ECG: Irregularly irregular rhythm, no discrete P waves, slow R-R intervals. Common causes: AV-nodal blockers (digoxin,…

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…

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…

Abnormal P Wave Axis: DDx

Key Points Normal Sinus Rhythm: In a normal rhythm, the sinus node initiates atrial depolarization, resulting in a P wave with a normal axis: upright in lead II, inverted in…

Sodium Channel Blocker Toxicity

Key Points: Recognizing the Danger: Sodium channel blocker toxicity can present with a variety of ECG changes that are critical to recognize, especially in patients with altered mental status or…

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…

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….

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