ECG and pathology

Question 1

If ECG leads were a clock face, describe where the six limb leads originate

Answer 1

AVL – 2 o'clock
I – 3 o'clock
II – 5 o'clock
AVF – 6 o'clock
III – 7 o'clock
AVR – 10 o'clock

Question 2

List three functional activities of the heart measured by ECG

Answer 2

Contractility, autorhythmicity, conductivity

Question 3

Which condition of the heart will show sawtooth appearance in leads II, III, and AVF?

Answer 3

Atrial flutter

Question 4

Which heart condition shows on ECG as poorly defined undulations or no atrial activity at all?

Answer 4

Atrial fibrillation

Question 5

Contrast paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent atrial fibrillation

Answer 5

Paroxysmal – seven days or less
Persistent – longer than seven days or requiring drugs or cardioversion
Permanent – refractory to cardioversion or persisting longer than one year

Question 6

What is the most concerning complication of a fib?

Answer 6

Thromboembolism- A fib patients are as likely to die from heart failure as they are from thromboembolism