Life Savers
Latest
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…
Dysrhythmia in LVADs
Key Points Ventricular Fibrillation in LVADs: Ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) can be rapidly fatal but is often better tolerated initially due to the…
Terminal QRS Distortion (OMI Pattern)
Key Points Early Repolarization (ER): A common ECG finding that can produce widespread ST-segment elevation, often mimicking STEMI or acute pericarditis. ST Segment Morphology: Convex and horizontal ST-segment morphology is…
Electrical Storm
Key Points Definition: Electrical storm is defined as three or more episodes of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), or appropriate shocks from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) within 24…
STAT ECGs: The Life Savers
Key Points About Life Saving ECGs: Definition: STAT ECGs refer to emergent electrocardiograms that are critical for the immediate diagnosis and management of a variety of life-threatening conditions. Purpose: The…
Ventricular Flutter
Key Points Definition: Ventricular flutter is a rapidly fatal cardiac arrest rhythm, closely related to ventricular fibrillation, requiring immediate defibrillation and high-quality CPR. Characteristics: It is marked by regular, continuous…
Bidirectional Ventricular Tachycardia
Key Points Definition: Bidirectional Ventricular Tachycardia (VT) is a rare and unique form of VT characterized by QRS complexes that alternate in axis and morphology from beat to beat. This…
Severe Hypothermia
Key Points Hypothermia and ECG: Severe hypothermia causes distinct ECG changes that can be life-saving if recognized early. These changes reflect the slowing of the heart’s electrical activity as body…
Slow Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
Key Points Definition: Slow ventricular tachycardia (VT) is characterized by a ventricular rate of 100-120 bpm. Distinction: Regular VT typically has a ventricular rate > 120 bpm. Context: Slow VT…
Free Content
Jump on our email list for free tips and insights delivered to your inbox monthly. No spam - just quick pearls and ECG education.
Categories
- No categories
© 2025 ECG Weekly. All rights reserved. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Powered by the member(dev) platform
Loading...