2. Objectives
• Identify the correct lead placement for
performing a 12 lead EKG
• Identify and interpret heart rhythm and
differing blocks
• Identify extreme axis deviations
• Identify and interpret bundle branch blocks
• Interpret MI location based on ST elevation
2
15. Monitoring vs Assessing
• Monitoring – EKG leads can be placed
anywhere
– Allows for identification of VF and Asystole
• Assessing – EKG leads MUST be placed in
specific locations
– Allows for interpretation of changes in the
electrical conduction (depolarization and
repolarization changes) i.e., ischemia.
16
16. Patient Preparation
• Provide a level of privacy
• Remove the patient’s shirt
• Shave the chest
• Prep the skin
– Remove the dead epithelials
• Electrically non-conductive
• Place the patient in a
hospital gown
17. YES! – Women Too
• Remove the bra
• Use a sheet to drape the patient
• Diaphoresis
– Dry the chest
– Use alcohol
– Use benzene
18. Patient Position
• Place the patient in the correct position to
acquire the EKG
– Supine Recommended
– Sitting up is fine
• Ask the patient to hold still
• Keep their hands down by their side
– May need to hold the patient’s hands
19
19. Lead Placement
• 12 Lead ECG’s use 10 Electrodes
– one electrode on each limb
– 6 electrodes on the left chest
20
20. Lead Placement
• Limb Lead go on the LIMBS!
– LA Left ARM
– RA Right ARM
– LL Left LEG
– RL Right LEG
21
21. Left Chest Lead Placement
• Precordial Leads (V leads or MCL leads)
– V1 4th intercostal space, right of sternum
– V2 4th intercostal space, left of the sternum
– V3 between V4 and V2
– V4 5th intercostal space, left of sternum
– V5 5th intercostal space, left of sternum
– V6 5th intercostal space, left of sternum
22
33. Now YOU Do It!
• Video of proper ECG lead placement
34
34. Interpretation
• Develop a systematic approach to reading
EKGs and use it every time
• The system recommended is:
– Rate
– Rhythm (including intervals and blocks)
– Axis
– Ischemia
35
35. Rate
• Rule of 300- Divide 300 by the number of
boxes between each QRS = rate
Number of
big boxes
Rate
1 300
2 150
3 100
4 75
5 60
6 50
36
42. Normal Intervals
• PR
– 0.20 sec (less than one
large box)
• QRS
– 0.08 – 0.10 sec (1-2 small
boxes)
• QT
– 450 ms in men, 460 ms in
women
– Based on sex / heart rate
– Half the R-R interval with
normal HR
43
45. Blocks
• AV blocks
– First degree block
• PR interval fixed and > 0.2 sec
– Second degree block, Mobitz type 1
• PR gradually lengthened, then drop QRS
– Second degree block, Mobitz type 2
• PR fixed, but drop QRS randomly
– Type 3 block
• PR and QRS dissociated
46
57. Hexaxial Reference System
• Divided into 6 part grid
– Based on the leads
• I
• II
• III
• aVR
• aVF
• aVL
• Degrees of electrical flow
– 0 to +180
– 0 to -180
58
63. Hemiblocks
• A hemiblock is a block
of one of the fascicles
of the left bundle
branch.
• Hemiblock is an ECG
diagnosis
Left Bundle Branch
Posterior Hemifascicle
Anterior Hemifascicle
64. Hemiblocks
• Anterior Hemiblock
– pathological left axis
– negative deflection in
leads II and III
– small q in lead I, small
r in lead III
– common block
– 4x higher mortality
rate in AMI
Left Bundle Branch
Anterior Hemifascicle
66. Hemiblocks
• Posterior Hemiblock
– right axis deviation
– small r in lead I, small
q in lead III
– high mortality rate
when with an AMI
– two coronary arteries
involved
Left Bundle Branch
Posterior Hemifascicl
67. Posterior Hemiblock
• Very rare and much more dangerous.
• Posterior hemifascicle has redundant
blood supply from two separate
coronary arteries.
• In setting of an acute MI, two coronary
arteries would have to be occluded
proximally in order to create this
condition.
69. Rapid Axis
• Rapid Axis and Hemiblock Chart
Lead I Lead II Lead III
Axis
Normal Axis
0 - 90
Physiologic
Left Axis
0 to -40
Pathological
Left Axis
-40 to -90
Right Axis
90 - 180
Extreme Right
Axis
Anterior
Hemiblock
Hemiblock
Posterior
no man's land
Ventricular in
origin
Comments
70
72. Ventricular Tachycardia
• 12 Lead ECG and VT:
• You may be the only one
to see the rhythm
• A 12 lead ECG of VT is
very helpful to the
cardiologist looking for
the cause
• More benefit and less risk
in knowing for sure
73. Ventricular Tachycardia
• Rate 110 -250 bpm
• Wide complex (>0.12 – 3 small blocks)
• Regular
• AV dissociation
• Extreme Right Axis Deviation + Upright MCL-1
I II
I II III
MCL-1
76. Bundle Branch Blocks
• A Bundle Branch Block is a block of one of the
two bundle branches, left or right
• A Bundle Branch is a fascicle of electrical
conduction system cells designed to carry
impulses to the ventricles
• Bundle Branches facilitate “syncytium” or
both ventricles contracting in sync.
77
77. Bundle Branch Blocks
• Turn Signal Theory
– easy way to
determine left or right
BBB
– use lead V1
– QRS complex must be
at least .12sec (120
ms) or wider (or 3
little squares)
78. Bundle Branch Blocks
• Turn Signal Theory
– Use lead V1 or MCL-1 IF QRS > 120 ms (.12 sec)
– Circle the J point
– Draw line back into the complex, then up or down
with the terminal deflection
– shade in the triangle made by this line
– Arrow points up - turn signal up - Right BBB
– Arrow points down - turn signal down - Left BBB
79
80. QRS Labeling
QRS Morphologies
Can you label these complexes?
RBBB
LBBB LBBB
LBBB
RBBB RBBB
Can You Identify These
Bundle Branch Blocks?
81
81. Right Bundle Branch Block and
Hemiblocks can occur together!
RBBB + Anterior Hemiblock (most commonly seen)
Left Bundle Branch
Anterior Hemifascicle
Right Bundle Branch
85. AMI
Myocardial Blood Supply
• Right Coronary Artery
• Inferior Wall (LV)
• Posterior Wall (LV)
• Right Ventricle
• SA and AV Node
• Posterior fascicle of LBB
86. Myocardial Blood Supply
• Left Anterior Descending
• Anterior Wall of LV
• Septal Wall
• Bundle of His and BB
87. Myocardial Blood Supply
• Circumflex
• Lateral Wall of LV
• Rarely SA and AV nodes
• Posterior Wall of LV
88. Clinical Manifestations of
Arterial Thrombosis
UA/NSTEMI:
Partially-occlusive thrombus
(primarily platelets)
Intra-plaque
thrombus (platelet
dominated)
Plaque core
ST MI:
Occlusive thrombus (platelets,
red blood cells, and fibrin)
Intra-plaque
thrombus (platelet
dominated)
Plaque core
SUDDEN DEATH
Adapted from Davies MJ. Circulation. 1990; 82 (supl II): 30-46.
89. ECG Signs of Ischemia
• Usually indicated by ST changes
– Elevation = Acute infarction
– Depression = Ischemia
• Can manifest as T wave changes
• Remote infarction can be shown by q waves
90
90. ECG Progression
in Infarct
• ECG pattern in AMI =
continuum that extends
from normal to full infarct.
• First: T wave flips in early
ischemia.
• Then: ST elevation either
flat or tombstoning
(flipped T wave may
disappear).
• Finally: We see Q waves.
91
91. 12 Lead ECG and AMI
• Benefits of 12 Lead ECG’s
– Highly specific (90% + confidence)
– If it shows an MI, there probably is an MI
– Rapid identification of MI in early stages
– Can commit to treat with ECG, history and
physical exam
– Complications can be identified
92
92. 12 Lead ECG and AMI
• Limitations
– Only 46 - 50 % sensitive (may miss 50%)
• Increase sensitivity by looking at the whole heart
– Diagnostic quality necessary
– Training needed to read the 12 leads
– ECG evidence is only one piece of the puzzle
– Some non-MI conditions look like MI’s
93
93. 12 Lead ECG and AMI
A NORMAL 12 LEAD ECG DOES NOT
RULE OUT A MYOCARDIAL
INFARCTION
If there is suspicion for MI, repeat the
ECG
94
94. Acute Ischemia
• Area of ischemia is more negative than surrounding normal tissue
• Causes ST depression; T wave is flipped
• Causes repolarization to occur along abnormal pathway
95
95. Acute Injury
• Zone of injury does not repolarize completely
• Remains more positive than surrounding tissue, leading to ST
elevation
• T remains flipped (abnormal repolarization paths along
injured/ischemic areas of myocardium)
96
99. What about the right side?
RV infacts
• Move V4 to the
right side same
location
– 5th intercostal
space anterior
axillary
Occur in conjunction with inferior MIs
100
106. Scorecard
• The guidelines call for a 90 minute medical
contact to balloon time.
• Very important to perform immediate or in-
field ECG to make earlier diagnosis to start the
STEMI alert.
107
107. Interventional Plan for EMS
• Out of hospital 12 lead
• Early notification of
hospital
• O2, NTG, pain control
• ASA, Heparin
• Thrombolytic prescreen
• Transport to PCI Center
109. When to Consider Thrombolytics
• Acute MI patients in whom first medical
contact to balloon time is like to exceed
2 hours.
• Cath lab is not available.
110
110. How do thrombolytics or more
appropriately fibrinolytics work?
t-PA
• A naturally occurring blood protein
Plasminogen activates the production of
plasmin – a digestive enzyme
• Presence of a clot causes the endothelia cells
to secrete tissue plasminogen activator which
starts the breakdown of the clot
111
111. How do fibrinolytics work?
• Fibrinolytics
– Destroy the clot
at the level of the fibrin.
– Activate the production
of plasmin to cause the
digestion of the clot
112
112. EMS and the AMI:
Making a difference
• Early recognition and treatment
• Early activation of cath lab
• Once infarction begins 500
myocardial cells die each second
• Salvage myocardium
• Decreased incidence of CHF
• Maintain active lifestyles
113. Infarct Caveats
• Anterior Wall MI
– most lethal (highest mortality)
– can suddenly develop, CHB, VF or VT
– if seen with hemiblocks or BBB, place quick
combo pads on the patient and prepare for
the worst
– can extend to septum (anteroseptal) or lateral
(anterolateral)
– nitrates are great, fluids are spared
114
114. Infarct Caveats
• Inferior MI
– Most common seen. Can be fatal
– 50% have posterior and right ventricle involved
– Patients may have bradycardia and hypotension
– Could also have 1st degree or Mobitz 1 blocks
– Nausea is common, phenergan or compazine
– Use nitrates with caution, may need fluids
115
115. Infarct Imitators
• Left Bundle Branch Block
– late depolarization makes ST
elevation difficult to distinguish
– LBBB considered a non-diagnostic
ECG
• Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
– won’t have reciprocal changes
• Early Repolarization
116. (…but is it really benign?)
Benign early repolarization
117. Who gets it?
• 2-5% of the general population (Wellens,
2008)
• Usually the young and physically fit
• More prominent in African-Americans
• Generally disappears with advancing age
118
118. What does it look like?
Red arrows: concave up ST-segment elevation anteriorly
Blue arrows: hyperdynamic, symmetrical, concordant T-waves 119
119. Classic findings
1. J-point “notching”
2. Concave-up ST segment
(smiley face)
3. ST segment elevation
from baseline in V2-V5,
typically <3mm
4. Large, symmetrically
concordant T-waves in
leads with STE
120
120. Can we tease it out?
• The degree of ST segment elevation is thought to
be indirectly proportional to the degree of
sympathetic tone
• In other words, the more relaxed the patient, the
more pronounced the ST segment elevation (and
vice versa)
• If you truly want to test your patient, get their
heart rate up and look at the ST segment
121
123. Same patient after asking him to do 2min of jumping jacks in the room to try and
get his heart rate up…
HR 83 (up 20bpm from previous) 124
124. HR 64 HR 83
The ST segment is NOT fixed in pts w/ BER and changes from EKG to EKG and with the
degree of sympathetic strain
On the right, note the complete resolution of the ST elevation but maintenance of the
J-point notching in V4
125
125. Early Repolarization
• Should be a diagnosis of exclusion and should ALWAYS be
placed in clinical context!!!
• The above was taken in a patient with difficulty breathing and
chest pain…and is an Myocardial Infarction -- NOT Early
Repolarization!!! 126
126. Pericarditis
• Pericarditis is an inflammation of the
pericardium (sac that surrounds the heart).
• This often occurs as a result of a viral
infection.
• However, this can cause severe chest pain and
can lead to ST elevation in all leads.
• Therefore, it is important to distinguish acute
pericarditis from acute myocardial infarction.
127
148. NO!
• This is Pericarditis – inflammation of the
sac around the heart.
– Diffuse ST elevation
– PR segment depression
– Younger
– Recent viral syndrome
– Hurts worse with deep breaths or lying
down
149
157. NO!
• This is Early Repolarization.
– Early repolarization is a common ECG variant,
characterized by either terminal QRS slurring
(the transition from the QRS segment to the ST
segment) or notching (a positive deflection
inscribed on terminal QRS complex) associated
with concave upward ST-segment elevation
and prominent T waves in at least two
contiguous leads.
158
158. NO!
• This is Early Repolarization.
– This benign ECG phenomenon is noted in 1%
to 2% of the adult population and generally
occurs in the absence of myocardial disease.
– People with this mostly consist of men, young
adults, athletes, and people of African American
heritage
159
171. Goals for STEMI
• First Medical Contact (FMC) to PCI < 90 minutes
• Door to ECG time < 10 minutes
• Door In / Door Out Time < 30 minutes
• FMC to Non-PCI hospital to PCI < 120 minutes
EMS specific
• Ideal for all chest pain patients to have in-field
ECG
• Pre-hospital Activation of STEMI network
• Diversion to STEMI hospital
172
172. EMS Requirements
Equip all ambulances in state with ECG machines by 2012
Ambulance services should obtain EKG within 15 minutes for
typical chest pain in anyone > 30 years, and
atypical chest pain in all patients 50 and older
EMS should interpret and transfer ECG to affiliated ED
EMS personnel need training / certification in ECG interpretation
of STEMI
173
173. ECG + Symptoms
• Chest pain,fullness, or
pressure
• Radiation to jaw, teeth,
shoulder, arm, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Epigastric discomfort
• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Cognitive impairment
174
174. EMS Requirements
+ EKG patients directly to PCI hospital if 90 minutes window
obtainable from first med contact to PCI AND patient is
hemodynamically stable
+ EKG patients directly to PCI hospital if 90 minutes window
obtainable from first med contact to PCI BUT patient is
hemodynamically UNSTABLE
Go to nearest ED
Activate Air Transport immediately for transfer to PCI center
175
175. EMS Requirements
If no pre-hospital ECG available for a chest pain patient who
arrives at a non-PCI hospital
Keep the patient on the EMS stretcher until ECG performed
If EKG results + transfer to PCI hospital with SAME ambulance if
patient hemodynamically stable
176
176. STEMI Network (24/7) PCI Centers
Jackson
St. Dominic
MBHS
UMMC
CMMC
Hattiesburg
Forrest General Hospital
Wesley
Meridian
Jeff Anderson Hospital
Rush Hospital
Tupelo
North Mississippi Medical Center
Oxford
Baptist Memorial Hospital North
Mississippi
South Haven
Baptist Memorial Hospital Desoto
Corinth
Magnolia Regional Health Center
Vicksburg
River Region Hospital
Greenville
Delta Regional Medical Center
Columbus
Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden
Triangle
Pascagoula
Singing River Health Systems
Gulfport
Gulfport Memorial Hospital
McComb
South West Regional Medical
Center
177
177. EMS Territorial Boundaries Broken
It is imperative for EMS to be able to cross county lines
when necessary for reperfusion.
EMS services should cross-cover for adjacent EMS in
another county.
A “Heart Attack” should take priority over many non-
life threatening medical conditions.
178
179. Goals for STEMI
• First Medical Contact (FMC) to PCI < 90 minutes
• Door to ECG time < 10 minutes
• Door In / Door Out Time < 30 minutes
• FMC to Non-PCI hospital to PCI < 120 minutes
EMS specific
• Ideal for all chest pain patients to have in-field
ECG
• Pre-hospital Activation of STEMI network
• Diversion to STEMI hospital
180
180. Phases of EMS Management
of the Stroke Patient
• Activation of 911 system
• EMS response
• On scene assessment and stabilization
• Selection of appropriate destination
• Transport
• Pre-arrival stroke alert to receiving emergency
department (as early as possible)
• Delivery of patient and information
• PI feedback
181
181. Scene Assessment
• General assessment
– Consider alternative causes of neurologic deficit
• Focused neurologic assessment to include FAST
– Face
– Arm
– Speech
– Time
• Sensitivity 80%/specificity 30%
• Time of onset - may not be available at hospital
182
183. Treatment
• Stabilization
– Standard protocols (check vital signs, ECG,
glucose, hydration and treat as needed)
– Scene time should be minimized but prehospital
care should not be sacrificed for less scene time
184
184. Select Appropriate Destination
• Transport to the nearest hospital with an
appropriate level of stroke care
– Level may vary as resources change
– Utilize knowledge of local facilities
• Window of opportunity – 4 ½ hours to
completion of fibrinolytic treatment (earlier
more effective than later)
• Useful time – 3 ½ hours until time of arrival at
stroke capable hospital
185
186. 1) Initial assessment, transport ASAP:
ABCs ; Obtain time of symptom onset (Last time known well) _______; Source of information
________; Contact information _________.
2) Administer high concentration oxygen, as needed, to maintain O2 Sat >94 percent.
3) Position patient with head/shoulders elevated to 15-30 degrees (unless contraindicated).
4) Maintain NPO.
5) Blood glucose < 60, treat per protocol.
6) Do not treat high blood pressure without physician approval.
7) Perform Stroke Scale – Cincinnati Stroke Scale.
8) Transport patient to the appropriate facility:
a. Transport patient to the closest hospital capable of treating the patient with IV Alteplase
(Stroke Capable or Primary/Comprehensive Stroke Center). Hospitals not able to diagnose
and treat stroke patients (Level 4 hospitals) may be by-passed. EMS may use discretion based
on transport time or other unforeseen factors.
b. Consider transport of the stroke patient with severe symptoms (hemiplegia, aphasia, neglect,
stably intubated) to a Comprehensive Stroke Center if symptom onset to hospital arrival time
is greater than 3 hours and less than 6 hours.
c. Transport patient to the closest appropriate facility if unstable (e.g., cardiac arrest, unstable
airway).
9) IV NS KVO once en route.
10) EKG once en route.
11) Notify receiving facility of estimated arrival time of acute stroke patient, Stroke Scale finding, and
time of onset. 187
189. Oxygen
• Indications
– Any suspected cardiopulmonary emergency
– Saturate hemoglobin with oxygen
– Reduce anxiety & further damage
– Note: Pulse oximetry should be monitored
190
190. Oxygen
• Precautions
– Pulse oximetry inaccurate in:
• Low cardiac output
• Vasoconstriction
• Hypothermia
– NEVER rely on pulse oximetry!
– Too much oxygen can make some patients with
emphysema quit breathing
191
191. Aspirin
• Indications
– Administer to all patients with ACS, particularly
reperfusion candidates
• Give 325 mg as soon as possible, non-coated preferred
– Blocks formation of thromboxane A2, which
causes platelets to aggregate
192
193. Aspirin
• Precautions
– Many patients are allergic to aspirin – be sure to
ask!
– Does not provide blood thinning effects in all
people (aspirin resistance)
– Relatively contraindicated in patients with active
bleeding
194
194. Thienopyridines
(Brilinta, Effient,Plavix)
• Indications
– Use as a second anti-platelet agent in patients
with ACS, particularly reperfusion candidates
– Blocks ADP activation of platelets
– Usually given as a bolus dose
• Brilinta – 180 mg (MHCA preferred agent)
• Plavix (clopidogrel) – 600 mg
• Effient – 60 mg
195
196. Thienopyridine
• Precautions
– Plavix does not provide blood thinning effects in
all people (plavix resistance)
– Effient should not be given to patients with
previous stroke or TIA
– Relatively contraindicated in patients with active
bleeding
197
197. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
• Indications
– Inhibit the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor in the
membrane of platelets, inhibiting platelet
aggregation
– Can be used as an early second anti-platelet agent
rather than thienopyridines, especially in those
who can’t swallow or have nausea and vomiting.
198
199. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
• Eptifibatide (integrilin)
– Within 10 minutes after bolus, > 90% of platelets
are inhibited
– Platelet function recovers within 4 to 8 hours after
discontinuation
– Dose
• 180 mcg/kg IV bolus, then 2 mcg/kg/min infusion
200
200. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
• Precautions
– Integrilin (eptifibatide) is a derivative of snake
venom
– Use in precaution in those patients with previous
snake bites
201
201. Heparin
• Indications
– Inhibits thrombin generation by factor Xa
inhibition and also inhibit thrombin indirectly by
formation of a complex with antithrombin III
– Exists in two forms
• Unfractionated
• Low molecular weight
202
202. Unfractionated Heparin
• Dosing
– Initial bolus 60 IU/kg
• Maximum bolus: 4000 IU
• Check efficacy of dose with ACT
• Not always effective
– Continuous infusion at 800-1200 units/hour
203
203. Low Molecular Weight Heparin
Lovenox (enoxaparin)
• Dosing in ACS in those proceeding to PCI or to
receive thrombolytics
– 30 mg IV
• Bolus is active for 3 hours
• Initial dosing in medically treated patients
– 1 mg/kg SQ
• Dose is active for 12 hours
204
204. Heparins
• Precautions
– Contraindications: active bleeding; recent
intracranial, intraspinal or eye surgery; severe
hypertension; bleeding disorders;
gastroinintestinal bleeding
– DO NOT use if platelet count is below 100 000
205
205. Nitroglycerin
• Indications
– Chest pain of suspected cardiac origin
– Unstable angina
– Complications of AMI, including congestive heart
failure, left ventricular failure
– Hypertensive crisis or urgency with chest pain
206
206. Nitroglycerin
• What it does…
– Decreases pain of ischemia
– Increases venous dilation
– Decreases venous blood return to heart
– Decreases preload and cardiac
oxygen consumption
– Dilates coronary arteries
– Increases cardiac collateral flow
207
207. Nitroglycerin
• What it does NOT do…
– Prevent heart attacks
– Save lives
– Limit infarct size
208
208. Nitroglycerin
• Dosing
– Sublingual Route
• 0.3 to 0.4 mg; repeat every 5 minutes
– Aerosol Spray
• Spray for 0.5 to 1.0 second at 5 minute intervals
– IV Infusion
• Infuse at 10 to 20 µg/min
• Route of choice for emergencies
• Titrate to effect
209
209. Nitroglycerin
• Precautions
– Use extreme caution if systolic BP <90 mm Hg
– Use extreme caution in Inferior and/or RV infarctions
– Suspect RV infarction with inferior ST changes
– Limit BP drop to 10% if patient is normotensive
– Limit BP drop to 30% if patient is hypertensive
– Watch for headache, drop in BP, syncope, tachycardia
– Tell patient to sit or lie down during administration
210
210. Morphine Sulfate
• Indications
– Chest pain and anxiety associated with AMI or
cardiac ischemia
– Acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema (if blood
pressure is adequate)
211
212. Morphine Sulfate
• Precautions
– Administer slowly and titrate to effect
– May compromise respiration; therefore use with
caution in acute pulmonary edema
– Causes hypotension in volume-depleted patients
213
213. Fibrinolytics
• Indications
– For AMI in adults
• ST elevation or new or presumably new LBBB; strongly
suspicious for injury
• Time of onset of symptoms < 12 hours
– For strokes in adelts
• Time of onset of symptoms< 4.5 hours
214
214. Fibrinolytics
• Dosing
– For fibrinolytic use, all patients should have 2
peripheral IV lines
• 1 line exclusively for fibrinolytic administration
215
215. Fibrinolytics
• Dosing for AMI Patients
– Tenecteplase (TNKase)
• Bolus 30 to 50 mg
– Alteplase, recombinant (tPA)
• Accelerated Infusion
– 15 mg IV bolus
– Then 0.75 mg/kg over the next 30 minutes
» Not to exceed 50 mg
– Then 0.5 mg/kg over the next 60 minutes
» Not to exceed 35 mg
216
216. Fibrinolytics
• Dosing for Acute Ischemic Stroke
– Alteplase, recombinant (tPA)
• Give 0.9 mg/kg (maximum 90 mg) infused over 60
minutes
– Give 10% of total dose as an initial IV bolus over 1 minute
– Give the remaining 90% over the next 60 minutes
– Alteplase is the only agent approved for use in
Ischemic Stroke patients
217
217. Fibrinolytics
• Precautions
– Specific Exclusion Criteria
• Active internal bleeding (except mensus) within 21 days
• History of CVA, intracranial, or intraspinal within 3
months
• Major trauma or serious injury within 14 days
• Aortic dissection
• Severe uncontrolled hypertension
218
218. Fibrinolytics
• Precautions
– Specific Exclusion Criteria
• Known bleeding disorders
• Prolonged CPR with evidence of thoracic trauma
• Lumbar puncture within 7 days
• Recent arterial puncture at noncompressible site
• During the first 24 hours of fibrinolytic therapy for
ischemic stroke, do not give aspirin or heparin
219
219. Amiodarone
• Indications
– Powerful anti-arrhythmic with activity in both
atria and ventricles; so that, this drug can be used
for atrial fibrillation and VT
– Can be used to prevent recurrent VF
220
220. Amiodarone
• Dosing
– 150 mg bolus dose
• May repeat x 1
– Can also use continual IV infusion
• 1 mg/min x 6 hours, then
• 0.5 mg/min
221
221. Amiodarone
• Precautions
– May produce vasodilation & hypotension
– May have negative inotropic effects
– Terminal elimination
• IV half-life lasts hours
• Oral half-life lasts up to 40 days
222
223. Lidocaine
• Bolus Dosing
– Initial dose: 1.0 to 1.5 mg/kg bolus IV
– May repeat bolus x 1 for refractory VF
– May also be given down ET tube
• Maintenance Infusion
– 2 to 4 mg/min IV continuous infusion
224
224. Lidocaine
• Precautions
– Reduce maintenance dose (not loading dose) in
presence of impaired liver function or left
ventricular dysfunction
– Discontinue infusion immediately if signs of
toxicity (seizures, confusion) develop
225
226. Atropine Sulfate
• Dosing
– 1 mg IV push
– Repeat every 3 to 5 minutes
– May give via ET tube (2 to 2.5 mg) diluted in 10
mL of NS
227
227. Atropine Sulfate
• Precautions
– Increases myocardial oxygen demand
– May result in unwanted tachycardia or
dysrhythmia
– When given in low doses (<0.4 mg), can cause a
paradoxical bradycardia
228
228. Dopamine
• Indications
– Second drug for symptomatic bradycardia (after
atropine)
– Use for hypotension (systolic BP 70 to 100 mm Hg)
with S/S of shock
229
229. Dopamine
• Dosing
– IV Infusions (Titrate to Effect)
• Low Dose “Renal Dose"
– 1 to 5 µg/kg per minute
• Moderate Dose “Cardiac Dose"
– 5 to 10 µg/kg per minute
• High Dose “Vasopressor Dose"
– 10 to 20 µg/kg per minute
230
230. Dopamine
• Precautions
– May use in patients with hypovolemia but only after
volume replacement
– May cause tachyarrhythmias, excessive vasoconstriction
– DO NOT mix with sodium bicarbonate
231
232. Epinephrine
• Dosing
– 1 mg IV push; may repeat every 3 to 5 minutes
– May use higher doses (0.2 mg/kg) if lower dose is
not effective
– Endotracheal Route
• 2.0 to 2.5 mg diluted in 10 mL normal saline
– Profound Bradycardia
• 2 to 10 µg/min infusion (add 1 mg of 1:1000 to 500 mL
normal saline; infuse at 1 to 5 mL/min)
233
233. Epinephrine
• Precautions
– Raising blood pressure and increasing heart rate
may cause myocardial ischemia, angina, and
increased myocardial oxygen demand
– Do not mix or give with alkaline solutions
– Higher doses have not improved outcome & may
cause myocardial dysfunction
234
234. Diltiazem
• Indications
– To control ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation and
atrial flutter
– Use after adenosine to treat refractory PSVT in
patients with narrow QRS complex and adequate
blood pressure
235
235. Diltiazem
• Dosing
– Acute Rate Control
• 10 to 20 mg (0.25 mg/kg) IV over 2 minutes
• May repeat in 15 minutes at 20 to 25 mg (0.35 mg/kg)
over 2 minutes
– Maintenance Infusion
• 5 to 15 mg/hour, titrated to heart rate
236
236. Diltiazem
• Precautions
– Do not use calcium channel blockers for tachycardias of
uncertain origin
– Avoid calcium channel blockers in patients with Wolff-
Parkinson-White syndrome, in patients with sick sinus
syndrome, or in patients with AV block without a
pacemaker
– Expect blood pressure drop resulting from peripheral
vasodilation
– Concurrent IV administration with IV ß-blockers can cause
severe hypotension or heart block
237
237. Question 1
• Which of the following is an adverse reaction
to nitroglycerin?
A) Hypertension
B) Hypotension
C) Lacrimation
D) Arrhythmias
238
238. Question 1
• Which of the following is an adverse reaction
to nitroglycerin?
A) Hypertension
B) Hypotension
C) Lacrimation
D) Arrhythmias
239
239. Question 2
• Which of the following must be given within
4.5 hours of the beginning of a stroke?
A. Thrombolytics
B. Anti-platelets
C. Heparin
240
240. Question 2
• Which of the following must be given within
4.5 hours of the beginning of a stroke?
A. Thrombolytics
B. Anti-platelets
C. Heparin
241
241. Question 3
• Which of the following agents is most
efficacious in the conversion of acute AF into
sinus rhythm?
a. Metoprolol
b. Digoxin
c. Amiodarone
d. Diltiazem
e. Esmolol
242
242. Question 3
• Which of the following agents is most
efficacious in the conversion of acute AF into
sinus rhythm?
a. Metoprolol
b. Digoxin
c. Amiodarone
d. Diltiazem
e. Esmolol
243
243. Question 4
• The following are true for aspirin, except:
a. Aspirin is indicated in combination with
warfarin in patients at high risk for mechanical
valve thrombosis
b. Clopidogrel should be administered to aspirin-
intolerant patients acutely with an STEMI
c. Aspirin is indicated in acute thrombotic stroke
d. Aspirin is FDA approved for primary
prevention of MI.
244
244. Question 4
• The following are true for aspirin, except:
a. Aspirin is indicated in combination with
warfarin in patients at high risk for mechanical
valve thrombosis
b. Clopidogrel should be administered to aspirin-
intolerant patients acutely with an STEMI
c. Aspirin is indicated in acute thrombotic stroke
d. Aspirin is FDA approved for primary
prevention of MI.
245
245. Question 5
• Appropriate upfront medical therapy in a
previously healthy 51 year old man having a
STEMI includes all of the following except:
a. Aspirin
b. Heparin
c. Lipitor
d. Brilinta
246
246. Question 5
• Appropriate upfront medical therapy in a
previously healthy 51 year old man having a
STEMI includes all of the following except:
a. Aspirin
b. Heparin
c. Lipitor
d. Brilinta
247
247. CONCLUSIONS
• Be constantly alert—patients can change in
seconds
• Know your drugs---use resources
• Remember that every drug, even OTC drugs,
have the potential to result in a serious
adverse reaction
248. CONCLUSIONS
• Never leave the sending facility unless you feel
thoroughly comfortable with your patient and
with the medications you are being asked to
administer or monitor
249. • Make sure that you are thoroughly prepared
for any complication
• Know where possible diversion hospitals are
located
• Use your EMS medical director whenever
necessary
CONCLUSIONS
251. The End
• Thank you for your time today in learning the
interpretation of ECGs.
• With your new knowledge and proficiencies,
patients of Mississippi are in better hands.
252