understanding ECG Flashcards
Valve component (heart sound)
The first heart sound (lub) occurs when the atrioventricular (AV) valves close and the second heart sound (dub) is heard when the semilunar valves close.
This phenomenon is due to the fact that the electrical event in cardiac activities takes place before the mechanical event.
Rate
- 1 small square = 0.04 seconds
- 1 large square (5 small squares) = 0.2 seconds
- Slow/Irregular rhythms: count the number of QRS complexes in a ten-second strip and x6 (beats per minute)/ 6 sec strip x 10
- Regular rhythms: 300 ÷ number of large squares between each R wave
Reciprocal Changes (and what are the original leads)
Septal
leads V1 and V2 - normal
V7, V8, V9 - reciprocal (posterior)
- If you see ST elevation in the septal leads, check the posterior leads for reciprocal depression.
Reciprocal Changes (and what are the original leads)
Lateral
Leads I, aVL, V5, and V6 - normal
Leads V1 and V2 - reciprocal (septal)
- If you see ST elevation in the low lateral leads (v5 & v6), check the septal leads for reciprocal depression.
Reciprocal Changes (and what are the original leads)
Inferior
Leads II, III, and aVF - normal leads
Leads I and aVL- reciprocal (high lateral)
- If you see ST elevation in the inferior leads, check the high lateral leads for reciprocal depression.
Reciprocal Changes (and what are the original leads)
Anterior
V3 & V4 - normal leads
Leads II, III, and aVF - reciprocal (inferior)
- If you see ST elevation in the anterior leads, check the inferior leads for reciprocal depression.
Anterior
V3, V4
Septal
V1, V2
Lateral
Lead 1, aVL, V5, V6
Inferior
Lead 2, Lead 3, aVF
V6
Lateral
Left circumflex
V5
Lateral
Left circumflex
V4
Anterior
Left Coronary Artery
V3
Anterior
Left coronary Artery
V2
Septal
Left Anterior Descending Artery
V1
Septal
Left Anterior Descending artery