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Occlusion MI in Ventricular Paced Rhythms: STEMI Equivalent Pattern
Key Points 1. Paced Rhythms and Acute MI Detection: Ventricular paced rhythms significantly alter ST segment and T wave morphology, complicating acute myocardial infarction (MI) recognition. Accurate ECG interpretation in…
Occlusion MI in Left Bundle Branch Block: STEMI Equivalent Pattern
Key Points LBBB Does Not Exclude Acute Coronary Occlusion: LBBB alters ventricular activation, leading to expected secondary ST/T abnormalities. However, acute occlusion myocardial infarction (OMI) can and must still be…
Modified Sgarbossa Criteria: STEMI Equivalent Pattern
Key Points Wide QRS Rhythms Can Mask OMI: Left bundle branch block (LBBB) and right ventricular (RV)-paced rhythms alter ventricular depolarization, producing expected secondary ST/T changes. However, acute occlusion MI…
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (Impressive Syndrome)
Key Points What It Is: A rare autosomal dominant sodium channelopathy that leads to episodic muscle weakness or paralysis in the setting of elevated serum potassium. Named after “Impressive,” the…
Sinus Node Dysfunction (Sick Sinus / Brady-Tachy Syndrome)
Key Points Spectrum, not one rhythm: Look for sinus brady, pauses, arrest, alternating atrial tachyarrhythmias (AF, flutter, ATach). Symptoms matter: Syncope, presyncope, fatigue usually come from cerebral/systemic hypoperfusion, especially after…
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,…
Aslanger Pattern: OMI Pattern
Key Points: STEMI Diagnosis and Contiguous Leads: While current guidelines typically require ST elevation (STE) in at least two contiguous leads for the diagnosis of STEMI, this practice is not…
Precordial Swirl: OMI Pattern
Key Points Definition: The precordial swirl sign refers to a rotational pattern of ST-segment abnormalities across the precordial leads, suggesting a dynamic and evolving occlusion myocardial infarction (OMI). It is…
ST Elevation in aVR with Diffuse ST Segment Depression: OMI Pattern
Key Points Pattern: ST elevation in aVR (≥1 mm), often with ST elevation in V1 and widespread ST depression (≥1 mm in ≥6 leads). Mechanism: Reflects global subendocardial ischemia, often…
Pericardial Tamponade
Key Points Beyond Electrical Alternans: Although classically linked to tamponade, electrical alternans is present in fewer than 30% of confirmed cases. It’s abscence should never rule out tamponade. Low Voltage…
Electrical Alternans
Key Points Classically associated with pericardial tamponade but seen in fewer than 30% of confirmed cases. Combination of low-voltage QRS + sinus tachycardia strongly suggests pericardial effusion/tamponade. Always perform rapid…
Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (PMVT)
Key Points Definition: PMVT is a ventricular tachycardia characterized by beat-to-beat variations in QRS morphology, axis, and duration, reflecting multiple ventricular foci or reentrant circuits. Clinical Importance: PMVT is often…
Posterior STEMI: Criteria & Pitfalls
Key Points High Risk of Missed Diagnosis: Isolated posterior occlusion MI is frequently missed due to the absence of ST elevation on standard 12-lead ECG. Instead, ST depression in V1–V3…
ST Depression V1-V4: OMI Pattern
Key Points Most Missed STEMI: Isolated posterior MI is the most commonly missed occlusion MI due to the absence of ST elevation on standard 12-lead ECG. ECG Pattern of Posterior…
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…
Nonsustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Key Points Definition: NSVT is defined as ≥3 consecutive ventricular beats, QRS duration >120 ms, rate typically 100-250 bpm (usually > 120 bpm), lasting less than 30 seconds without causing…
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…
Atrial Fibrillation with WPW
Key Points: WPW Syndrome: A condition characterized by ventricular pre-excitation due to a congenital accessory pathway, often associated with symptomatic arrhythmias. ECG Recognition: The WPW pattern is best identified when…
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;…
South African Flag Sign: OMI Pattern
Key Points Pattern Recognition: The South African Flag Sign is characterized by: ST-segment elevation (STE) in leads I, aVL, and V2. ST-segment depression in lead III. Subtle but visually distinctive…
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