ECG Flashcards
List the limb lead interpretations:
I → left ventricle, lateral wall
II, III, and aVF → left ventricle, inferior wall (inferior ECG leads)
aVL → left ventricle, high part of the lateral wall
aVR → reciprocal of the left lateral side leads (II, aVL, V5 and V6)
List the precordial interpretations:
V1 and V2 → both ventricles, anterior wall
V3 and V4 → anterior wall of the left ventricle and parts of the septum
V5 and V6 → lateral wall of the left ventricle and apex of the heart
What is usually the paper speed of an ECG?
A paper speed of 25 mm/s 10mm/mVolts is usually used –> 1 mm = 0.04 s = one square
- -> one small box is 40msecs
- -> one big box (with five small) is 200msecs
- -> 10 mm vertically equals 1 mvolts
How to measure amplitude in ECG?
1 mm (vertical) = 0.1 mV = one square
How to measure HR from ECG?
If the QRS rhythm is regular (see determination of the heart rhythm below), then the heart rate can be estimated by dividing 300 by the number of large (5 mm) squares between successive QRS complexes,
How is the heart rhythm assessed on an ECG?
The heart rhythm is assessed by evaluating the frequency, regularity, and relationships between the P waves and QRS complexes.
What is the usual and abnormal QRS duration?
Normal duration: 0.07–0.10 seconds
Wide QRS: > 0.12 seconds or 3 small squares
What is a criteria for sinus rhythm?
Normal morphology of the P waves
A regular QRS complex follows every P wave.
Normal, constant PP and RR intervals
What leads can be used to make a rapid approximation of the axis?
A rapid approximation of the axis may be made by assessing the QRS complexes in leads I and aVF
List the coordinates for each limb leads:
I - 0 II - 60 III - 120 AvL - -30 AvF - 90 AvR - -150
What are the coordinates for left axis deviation?
-30 to -90 (only positive on lead I)
What are the coordinates for right axis deviation?
90 to 180 (only positive for aVF)
What are the coordinates for extreme right axis deviation?
-90 to -180 (I and aVF neg)
What are the coordinates for normal axis?
-30 to 90
What are the three causes of LAD?
Normal variant
Left anterior fascicular block
Left ventricular hypertrophy (rarely with LVH; usually axis is normal)
What are the causes of RAD?
Normal variant Right bundle branch block Right ventricular hypertrophy Left posterior fascicular block Dextrocardia
Where are p waves generated and seen in which leads?
Sinus node –> II, III, avF
What do an absence of p wave and an irregular rhythm indicate?
Atrial fibrillation (irregular irregular) Atrial flutter with variable block
What do an absence of p wave and a regular rhythm indicate?
May hidden retrograde p wave as seen in:
- supraventricular tachycardias
- ventricular tachycardia
How many boxes should a QRS be?
3 small boxes
What does a wide QRS usually indicate?
- bundle branch block
- ventricular tachycardia???
How many boxes is the PR segment?
5 small boxes
What can cause a long PR segment?
- increased vagal tone
- AV block
What is the effect of sympathetics on PR segment?
- shortened PR
What prolongs and shortens the QT segment?
Prolongs:
- hypocalcemia (tetany, numbness, spasms)
- antiarrythmics
Shortens:
- hypercalcemia (confusion; constipation)
What happens to T waves in ischemia?
Early ischemia: peaked T
Late ischemia : inverted T
What flattens T waves and introduces U waves?
hypokalemia
What is indicated by a ST depression?
subendocardial ischemia (NSTEMI)
What is indicated by a ST elevation?
transmural ischemia (STEMI/pericarditis)
What features can be seen in RBBB?
High QRS on V1, inverted T on V4, wide QRS