Systematic approach to ECG interpretation

Question 1

3 steps for interpretation

Answer 1

1- glance at ECG- am I instinctively concerned
2- what is the heart rate and interval durations
3- what is the rhythm
4- any signs of ischaemia or infarction
5- what is the axis
6- evidence of hypertrophy?

Question 2

Measuring HR on ECG if regular rhythm

Answer 2

Rate= 300/ R-R interval in large squares

Question 3

Measuring HR on ECG if irregular or regular

Answer 3

30 large boxes= 6 secs
-count number of QRS complexes in 30 squares
-times by 10 for 60 seconds

Question 4

What are we looking for when diagnosing rhythm

Answer 4

-if its regular, irregular, regularly irregular or irregularly irregular
- 1:1 ratio of P waves to QRS complexes
- what are the P-R intervals and QRS interval

Question 5

Question 2: HR and interval duration things we do

Answer 5

-count 30 large boxes (6 secs)
-How many qrs complexes inside
-times by 10
-what is the PR/ QRS interval