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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…
Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM)
Key Points Definition: HOCM is a genetic condition characterized by abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the interventricular septum, leading to outflow obstruction. HOMC is the most common cause…
Atrial Flutter 1:1 Conduction
Key Points Rapid Ventricular Rates: Atrial flutter with 1:1 conduction is associated with very rapid ventricular rates (250-320 bpm), leading to significant symptoms and rapid hemodynamic compromise. This rhythm is…
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: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a condition where ventricular pre-excitation occurs due to a congenital accessory pathway in patients with symptomatic arrhythmias. ECG Recognition: The WPW ECG…
Cannabis (Marijuana) Toxicity
Key Point Cannabis use is rising due to increasing legalization and acceptance, both recreationally and medically. Cannabis refers to all products derived from the Cannabis plant, while marijuana specifically refers…
AV Block: Second-Degree, 2:1 Conduction
Key Points Definition: A type of second-degree AV block where every other P wave is non-conducted, resulting in a 2:1 conduction pattern. Diagnostic Challenge: Can sometimes be difficult to differentiate…
AV Block: Second-Degree, High-Grade (Advanced AV Block)
Key Points Definition: High-grade or advanced AV block is a severe form of second-degree AV block, usually associated with a Mobitz II pattern, where multiple consecutive P waves fail to…
Digoxin Toxicity
Key Points Digoxin is frequently used in the treatment of both heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but it has a narrow therapeutic window and can result in significant arrhythmias in…
Opiate Toxicity
Key Point Opiate toxicity, primarily caused by overdose, leads to life-threatening respiratory depression, altered mental status, and systemic hypoxia. Opioids include prescription pain medications such as morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and…
Methamphetamine Toxicity
Key Point Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that has profound effects on the cardiovascular system, leading to life-threatening toxicities including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, arrhythmias, and sudden…
Beta-Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Toxicity
Key Point Beta-blockers (BBs) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are frequently prescribed for various cardiovascular conditions, but their overdose or toxicity can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular and systemic effects. Both…
Cocaine Toxicity
Key Point Cocaine is a potent stimulant known for its profound cardiovascular (CV) effects. It can cause a variety of acute and long-term toxicities, particularly involving the heart and vascular…
Catecholaminergic Polymorphic VT (CPVT)
Key Points Definition: CPVT is a rare hereditary form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) that is often triggered by emotional or physical stress, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias such as…
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy vs. STEMI
Key Points Definition and Context: Also known as Takotsubo syndrome, stress cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” this is a non-ischemic cardiomyopathy characterized by transient wall motion abnormalities of the LV…
Toxicologic Emergencies
Key Points ECG as a Critical Diagnostic Tool: In toxicological emergencies, the ECG is a powerful tool that can reveal the effects of various drug toxicities, particularly those involving sodium…
Altered Mental Status Emergencies
Key Points Altered Mental Status (AMS) and ECG: In patients presenting with altered mental status, the ECG can be an invaluable tool for uncovering life-threatening underlying causes, including metabolic disturbances,…
VT vs. SVT with Aberrancy
Key Points Basic Distinction: SVTs typically have narrow QRS complexes (<120 ms) but may present with wide complexes if aberrantly conducted (e.g., with existing bundle branch block). Clinical Importance: Differentiating…
STEMI Criteria & STEMI Equivalent Patterns
Key Points ECG are a Critical Tool: ECGs are the most important initial test in evaluating acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The primary goal is to quickly identify patients with acute…
Right Ventricular (RV) STEMI Criteria
Key Points Prevalence: Up to 40% of inferior STEMIs extend to the right ventricle (RV), though isolated RV infarction is rare. Identifying RV MI is critical due to its unique…
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