ECG Interpretation Flashcards
What is the Flowchart for interpreting an ECG
- Right patient?
- Rate
- Sinus Rhythm?
- Cardiac Axis
- Assess P waves
- P-R Interval
- QRS Complex Width
- ST-elevation?
- T Wave inversion?
- Q Waves?
- QT Interval
Where is T wave inversion normal
In aVR, III, V1 and V2
What does T wave inversion represent
Ischemia (24-48 hours), Ventricular Hypertrophy, BBB, Digoxin
What may cause ST elevation
MI, Pericarditis
How do you differentiate ST elevation in an MI from Pericarditis
localised in MI, in most leads in pericarditis
What causes ST depression
Ischemia
What does bundle branch block cause
delayed depolarisation of ventricles, causing a wide QRS
Where is RBBB best seen
V1
Where is LBBB best seen
V6
What does RBBB look like
M shape in V1 OR Positive v1 + wide QRS
What does LBBB look like
Wide QRS + negative V1 OR M shape in V6/W shape in V1
What does asymptomatic LBBB indicate
Aortic Stenosis
What does (new) LBBB + chest pain indicate
Acute MI
What is the minimum requirement for ST elevation to be considered significant
> 2mm in a chest lead, >1mm in a limb lead, must be at least 2 leads to be significant
What causes Right axis deviation
Right ventricular hypertrophy
What most commonly causes left axis deviation
Conduction deficits
What does an axis deviation indicate
Not much if in isolation, although signs of RVH/LVH/Pulmonary embolus( in RAD)/conduction deficits should be investigated
What indicates right ventricular hypertrophy
Tall V1 R wave + Right axis deviation + V5/V6 having equal R + S waves
what indicates left ventricular hypertrophy
Tall V6 R wave (+ potentially left axis deviation)
Whats the height rule for R waves in V5/V6 and the s wave in V1
Combined height shouldn’t exceed 25mm (otherwise this indicates LVH)
What indicates 1st degree heart block
PR interval >220ms
What causes 1st degree heart block
Found in athletes commonly, coronary aa disease, acute rheumatic fever, electrolyte disturbance, digoxin toxicity
What are the 3 variations of 2nd degree heart block
Mobitz type 2 Wenkebache phenomenon (Mobitz type 1) 2:1/3:1/4:1 conduction
What is Mobitz type 2 heart block
constant P-R interval with occasional non conducted p waves
What is Mobitz type 1/Wenkebache heart block
Gradually lengthening P-R interval until a non conducted beat and repeat
What is 3rd degree heart block
atrial contraction + ventricle contraction independent of eachother
What does 3rd degree heart block indicate
MI/Chronic tissue disease, Pacing required
What is sinus bradycardia associated with
athletic training, fainting, hypothermia, hypothyroidism, post MI
What is sinus tachycardia associated with
exercise, fear, pain, haemorrhage or thyrotoxicosis