EKG Reading Flashcards
What is the common method for determining rate?
Looking at how many large boxes are present:
300-150-100-75-60-50
What is the six second method for determining rate?
R-R intervals in 30 large boxes x 10
What is the mathematical method for determining rate?
300/# large boxes between R waves
How do you assess Rhythm and Intervals?
- Check the bottom rhythm strip for regularity (regular, regularly irregular, irregularly irregular)
- Check for a P wave before each QRS, QRS after each P
- Check for PR interval (for AV blocks) and QRS (for bundle branch blocks). Check for prolonged QT (i.e. QT interval > 1/2 the R-R distance)
- Recognize “patterns” such as atrial fibrillation, PVCs, PACs, escape beats, ventricular tachycardia, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia, AV blocks, and bundle branch blocks
What is the normal axis range?
- (+) Lead I, (+) Lead aVF
- (-30 to +90 degrees)
- Positive in lead I, negative in aVF, positive in lead II is also normal (-30 to 0)
What is left axis deviation?
- (+) Lead I, (-) Lead aVF
- (-30 to -90 degrees)
- Also requires negative lead II
What is right axis deviation?
- (-) Lead I, (+) Lead aVF
- (+90 to +180 degrees)
What is extreme axis deviation?
- (-) Lead I, (-) Lead aVF
- (-90 to -180 degrees)
What is the differential for Left axis deviation?
LVH, Left ant. Fascicular block, inferior wall MI
What is the differential for Right axis deviation?
RVH, Left post. Fascicular block, lateral wall MI
What does LVH (left ventricular hypertrophy) look like on EKG?
S wave in v1 or v2 + R wave in v5 or v6 > 35 mm, or AVL R wave > 12 mm
What does RVH (right ventricular hypertrophy) look like on EKG?
R wave > S wave in v1 and gets progressively smaller in v1 to v6
What leads are atrial hypertrophy seen in?
Leads II and v1
What do you see in RAH (right atrial hypertrophy)?
Peaked P wave in lead II > 2.5 mm amplitude. P wave in V1 has increase in initial positive defection
What do you see in LAH (left atrial hypertrophy)?
Notched, wide (>3 mm) P wave in II. V1 has increase in the terminal negative deflection.
How do you see ischemia on an EKG?
Symmetrical T wave inversion.
Look in leads I, II, and leads v2-v6