ECG basics Flashcards
What three types of abnormalities are detected by an ECG?
Conduction abnormalities
Structural abnormalities
Perfusion abnormalities
What are the three main advantages of conducting an ECG?
Relatively cheap and easy to undertake
Reproducible between people and centres
Quick turnaround on results/report.
What is the definition of a vector?
A vector is a quantity that has both magnitude and direction
What does a downwards deflection represent in an ECG?
Downwards deflections are towards the anode
What does an upward deflection represent in an ECG?
Towards the cathode
What does the width of a a deflection denote in an ECG?
Denotes the duration of the event
What does the steepness of an ECG line denote?
The velocity of an action potential.
What does an isoelectric ECG line represent?
Represents no net change in voltage (vectors are perpendicular to the lead).
What does the p wave represent?
Electrical signal that stimulates contraction of the atria (atrial systole).
Autorythmic myocytes
Atrial depolarisation
What does the QRS complex represent?
The electrical signal that stimulates contraction of the ventricles (ventricular systole)
What does the T wave represent?
An electrical signal that signifies relaxation of the ventricles (ventricular repolarisation).
What does the PR segment represent?
AVN depolarisation (Isoelectric ECG) There is slow signal transduction
Protective
Describe the speed of electrical transmission through the Bundle of His?
Rapid conduction (insulated)
What type of depolarisation occurs within the bundle branches?
Septal depolarisation
What does the Q wave represents?
Septal depolarisation
Which fibres are responsible for ventricular depolarisation?
Purkinje fibres
Which ECG structure represents the fully depolarised ventricles?
ST-segment
Where does lead 1 go from and to?
From the right arm to the left arm
Where does lead 2 go to?
From the right arm to the left leg
Where does lead two go from and to?
From the right arm to the left leg
What is the direction of depolarisation (negative to positive) in lead 1?
Right to left (anode to cathode)
Where is V1 placed?
Right sternal border in the fourth intercostal space
Where is V2 placed?
Left sternal border in the fourth intercostal space.
Where is V3 placed?
Halfway between v2 and v4
Where is V4 placed?
In the 5th intercostal space at the mid clavicular line
Where is V5 placed?
Anterior axillary line at the level of V4
Where is V6 placed?
Mid axillary line at the level of V4.
Which electrode is placed in the fourth intercostal space at the mid clavicular line?
V4
Which coronary artery is associated with lead 1?
Left circumflex artery
Which coronary artery is associated with lead 2?
Right coronary artery
Which coronary artery is associated with lead 3?
Right coronary artery
Which coronary artery is associated with aVL?
Left circumflex artery