ECG Flashcards
What is the QRS complex?
Depolarization of ventricle
Q↓ R↑ S↓ after R
What does the T represents on an ECG?
The repolarization
What does the P represents on an ECG? When is it abnormal?
The P wave represents depolarization of the right atrium followed quickly by depolarization of the left atrium (superimposed). They are seen in lead II and V1
What is the ST interval ?
The line between the QRS complex and the T wave, it is normally isoelectric (at the same level as the “baseline”). It may move up or down when the heart is lacking oxygen:
- Upward = MI
- Downward = Ischemia
What is the PR interval ?
Time from the start of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex
NORMAL = 0.12-0.20 sec.
What is the QT interval?
Time from the start of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave, represents the time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization. This interval changes according to the heart rate and is not constant.
You calculate it with Bazett’s formula (QTc ≤ 0.44 for men and 0.46 for women) or the rapid rule with normal heart rate: if the QT interval is less than ½ the R-R interval, then the QT is within normal range.
What are the 12 leads recorded by an ECG?
- 6 “LIMB LEADS” record the depolarization currents in the FRONTAL PLANE
By overlaying the vectors of the 6 limb leads, an Axial Reference System is established. - 6 “PRECORDIAL” LEADS record depolarization currents in the TRANSVERSE PLANE
What are the bipolar leads?
- I : RA (-) to LA (+)
- II: RA (-) to LL (+)
- III: LA (-) to LL (+)
What are the unipolar leads?
- aVR: CT (-) to RA (+)
- aVL: CT (-) to LA (+)
- aVF: CT (-) to LL
What are the corresponding lead references on the electric circuit of the heart ?
Avant P : SA node
P: du SA node au AV node
Après P: AV node
QRS: ventricules
T: repolarization des ventricules
The normal rhythm initiated by depolarization of the sinus node is known as “Sinus rhythm”. Sinus rhythm is presented how on an ECG?
Criteria:
- Each P wave is followed by a QRS
- Rach QRS is preceded by a P wave
- The P wave is upright in leads I, II, and III
- The PR interval is greater than 0.12 seconds (3 small boxes)
- Normal sinus rhythm = Heart rate between 60 and 100 beats/min
- Sinus bradycardia = Sinus rhythm with heart rate < 60 beats/min
- Sinus tachycardia = Sinus rhythm with heart rate > 100 beats/min
How do we calculate heart rate ?
- Method 1: count number of small boxes between QRS complexes. Very good method for fast heart beat
1500
23 - Method 1: Count-off method from QRS peaks. You memorize the sequence: 300-150-75-60-50
- Method 3: ECG recording paper often indicates 3-sec time markers N beats x 20.
What is mean axis and its 4 classification?
“AXIS” refers to the angle of this average vector in the frontal plane. In a normal individual, the normal axis vector lies between -30° - +90°. The orientation of your heart in your chest will deviate your axis. Axis is classified into one of 4 categories:
- NORMAL (lead I and II positive)
- LEFT AXIS DEVIATION (lead I positive lead II negative)
- RIGHT AXIS DEVIATION (lead I negative lead II positive)
- EXTREME AXIS DEVIATION (lead I negative lead II negative)
When do we suspect a Right ventricular hypertrophy?
- R > S in V1
- Right axis deviation
When do we suspect a Left ventricular hypertrophy?
- S in V1 plus R in V5 or V6 > 35 mm
- R in aVL > 11 mm or R in lead I > 15 mm