The ECG Made Easy

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Narrow-complex escape rhythms (QRS complexes of <0.12 seconds duration) originate above the bifurcation of the bundle of His. If a patient’s heart rhythm is irregular, the first heart rate calculation method doesn’t work (as the R-R interval differs significantly throughout the ECG). As a result, you need to apply a different method: A narrow QRS complex occurs when the impulse is conducted down the bundle of His and the Purkinje fibre to the ventricles. This results in well organised synchronised ventricular depolarisation. If P waves are absent and there is an irregular rhythm, it may suggest a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.

The ECG Made Easy - 9th Edition - Elsevier The ECG Made Easy - 9th Edition - Elsevier

ST-elevation is significant when it is greater than 1 mm (1 small square) in 2 or more contiguous limb leads or >2mm in 2 or more chest leads.These become larger the slower the bradycardia – classically U waves are seen in various electrolyte imbalances, hypothermia and secondary to antiarrhythmic therapy (such as digoxin, procainamide or amiodarone). U wave This point can be elevated, resulting in the ST segment that follows it being raised (this is known as “high take-off”). Each lead’s ECG recording is slightly different in shape. This is because each lead is recording the heart’s electrical activity from a different direction (a.k.a viewpoint). When the electrical activity within the heart travels away from a lead, you get a negative deflection. Provides a full understanding of the ECG in the diagnosis and management of abnormal cardiac rhythms.

Understanding an ECG | ECG Interpretation | Geeky Medics Understanding an ECG | ECG Interpretation | Geeky Medics

A pathological Q wave is > 25% the size of the R wave that follows it or > 2mm in height and > 40ms in width. Whenever the direction of electrical activity moves towards a lead, a positive deflection is produced. An easy to follow systematic approach, along with colour coding and inline links to a wealth of #FOAMed ECG resources, creates a simple and incredibly effective learning tool. It represents the time for electrical activity to move between the atria and the ventricles. QRS complex

An ECG lead is a graphical representation of the heart’s electrical activity calculated by analysing data from several ECG electrodes. Chest leads A single Q wave is not a cause for concern – look for Q waves in an entire territory (e.g. anterior/inferior) for evidence of previous myocardial infarction. An example of a pathological Q wave R and S waves The lead with the most positive deflection is most aligned with the direction the heart’s electrical activity is travelling. The T waves are also raised (in contrast to a STEMI, where the T wave remains the same size and the ST segment is raised). Right axis deviation (RAD) involves the direction of depolarisation being distorted to the right (between +90º and +180º).