Approach to the ECG Flashcards
What is the definition of ECG?
The ECG is a recording of changes in electrical potential difference occurring during the depolarisation and repolarisation of the myocardium plotted against time.
i.e. It is is a Voltage - Time Graph
Where do you connect each colour lead to (Red, Yellow, Green, Black)?
Red - Right forelimb
Yellow - Left forelimb
Green - Left hindlimb
Black - Right hindlimb (Earth)
What is lead I?
Lead I = Right fore to Left fore
What is lead II?
Lead II = Right fore to left hind
What is lead III?
Lead III = left fore to left hind
Which lead normally has the largest QRS?
Lead II
What is a Sinus Arrhythmia?
Regular irregular pattern
-occurs at normal HR
What does sinus arrhythmia indicate?
High vagal tone - which is normal in healthy dogs
What is a wandering pacemaker?
Variable P wave morphology
Is sinus arrhythmias normal in cats?
No!
Look for causes of enhanced vagal tone
-feline asthma
- Compromised respiration
What is Sinus arrest?
- Sinus arrest definition: pause of >2 preceding R-R intervals
- May be seen as part of accentuated sinus arrhythmia (e.g.
brachycephalic breed). - Periods of sinus arrest (up to 5 seconds) are normal in sleeping dogs (shown by Holter monitoring)
What is a ventricular premature complex?
*Wide QRS with oppositely directed T wave
*looks like zig-zag lines
*contraction initiated by purkinje fibers not SA node
How would you treat ventricular tachycardia?
*Lidocaine IV
-prevent ventricular fibrillation + death
What are the systemic causes of ventricular premature complex?
*Gastric dilation volvulus
*Splenic lesions / splenectomy
*Sepsis
*Pancreatitis
*Pyometra
*Thoracic trauma
*CNS lesions
What is a first degree AV block?
*P : QRS ratio = 1:1
*P-R interval = prolonged