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Ekg or ECG (clectrocariography)
This document provides an overview of performing and interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs). It outlines the objectives of understanding ECGs, including defining an ECG, performing one, and interpreting various cardiac pathologies. The document explains that an ECG is a tracing of the heart's electrical activity and describes the process for recording one, including electrode placement and the cardiac conduction system. It also provides a high-level overview of the typical waves, segments and intervals seen on an ECG tracing and how the different leads view the heart.
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Ekg or ECG (clectrocariography)
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- 2. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Overview Overview ƒ ƒ Objectives forthis tutorial Objectives for this tutorial ƒ ƒ What is an ECG? What is an ECG? ƒ ƒ Overview of performing Overview of performing electrocardiography on a patient electrocardiography on a patient ƒ ƒ Simple physiology Simple physiology ƒ ƒ Interpreting the ECG Interpreting the ECG
- 3. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Objectives Objectives By the endof this tutorial the student should be able to: By the end of this tutorial the student should be able to: ƒ ƒ State a definition of electrocardiogram State a definition of electrocardiogram ƒ ƒ Perform an ECG on a patient, including explaining to the patient Perform an ECG on a patient, including explaining to the patient what is involved what is involved ƒ ƒ Draw a diagram of the conduction pathway of the heart Draw a diagram of the conduction pathway of the heart ƒ ƒ Draw a simple labelled diagram of an ECG tracing Draw a simple labelled diagram of an ECG tracing ƒ ƒ List the steps involved in interpreting an ECG tracing in an ord List the steps involved in interpreting an ECG tracing in an orderly erly way way ƒ ƒ Recite the normal limits of the parameters of various parts of t Recite the normal limits of the parameters of various parts of the he ECG ECG ƒ ƒ Interpret Interpret ECGs ECGs showing the following pathology: showing the following pathology: ƒ ƒ MI, AF, 1st 2 MI, AF, 1st 2nd nd and 3 and 3rd rd degree heart block, p degree heart block, p pulmonale pulmonale, p , p mitrale mitrale, Wolff , Wolff- - Parkinson Parkinson- -White syndrome, LBBB, RBBB, Left and Right axis deviation, White syndrome, LBBB, RBBB, Left and Right axis deviation, LVH, LVH, pericarditis pericarditis, Hyper , Hyper- - and and hypokalaemia hypokalaemia, prolonged QT. , prolonged QT.
- 4. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc What is anECG? What is an ECG? ECG = ECG = Electrocardiogram Electrocardiogram Tracing of heart Tracing of heart’ ’s electrical activity s electrical activity
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- 6. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Overview of procedure Overviewof procedure ƒ ƒ GRIP GRIP ƒ ƒ Greet, rapport, introduce, Greet, rapport, introduce, identify, privacy, explain identify, privacy, explain procedure, permission procedure, permission ƒ ƒ Lay patient down Lay patient down ƒ ƒ Expose chest, wrists, Expose chest, wrists, ankles ankles ƒ ƒ Clean electrode sites Clean electrode sites ƒ ƒ May need to shave May need to shave ƒ ƒ Apply electrodes Apply electrodes ƒ ƒ Attach wires Attach wires correctly correctly ƒ ƒ Turn on machine Turn on machine ƒ ƒ Calibrate to 10mm/mV Calibrate to 10mm/mV ƒ ƒ Rate at 25mm/s Rate at 25mm/s ƒ ƒ Record and print Record and print ƒ ƒ Label Label the tracing the tracing ƒ ƒ Name, Name, DoB DoB, hospital , hospital number, date and number, date and time, reason for time, reason for recording recording ƒ ƒ Disconnect if Disconnect if adequate and remove adequate and remove electrodes electrodes
- 7. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Electrode placement Electrode placement ƒ ƒ10 electrodes in total are placed on the 10 electrodes in total are placed on the patient patient ƒ ƒ Firstly self Firstly self- -adhesive adhesive ‘ ‘dots dots’ ’ are attached to are attached to the patient. These have single electrical the patient. These have single electrical contacts on them contacts on them ƒ ƒ The 10 leads on the ECG machine are The 10 leads on the ECG machine are then clipped onto the contacts of the then clipped onto the contacts of the ‘ ‘dots dots’ ’
- 8. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Electrode placement in12 lead Electrode placement in 12 lead ECG ECG ƒ ƒ 6 are chest electrodes 6 are chest electrodes ƒ ƒ Called V1 Called V1- -6 or C1 6 or C1- -6 6 ƒ ƒ 4 are limb electrodes 4 are limb electrodes ƒ ƒ Right arm Right arm R Ride ide ƒ ƒ Left arm Left arm Y Your our ƒ ƒ Left leg Left leg G Green reen ƒ ƒ Right leg Right leg B Bike ike ƒ ƒ Remember Remember ƒ ƒ The The right leg right leg electrode electrode is a neutral or is a neutral or “ “dummy dummy” ”! !
- 9. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Electrode placement Electrode placement Forthe chest electrodes For the chest electrodes ƒ ƒ V1 V1 4 4th th intercostal intercostal space right space right sternal sternal edge edge ƒ ƒ V2 V2 4 4th th intercostal intercostal space left space left sternal sternal edge edge ƒ ƒ (to find the 4 (to find the 4th th space, palpate the space, palpate the manubriosternal manubriosternal angle (of angle (of Louis) Louis) ƒ ƒ Directly adjacent is the 2 Directly adjacent is the 2nd nd rib, with the 2 rib, with the 2nd nd intercostal intercostal space space directly below. Palpate inferiorly to find the 3 directly below. Palpate inferiorly to find the 3rd rd and then 4 and then 4th th space space ƒ ƒ V V4 4 over the apex (5 over the apex (5th th ICS mid ICS mid- -clavicular clavicular line) line) ƒ ƒ V V3 3 halfway between V2 and V4 halfway between V2 and V4 ƒ ƒ V5 V5 at the same level as V4 but on the at the same level as V4 but on the anterior axillary line anterior axillary line ƒ ƒ V6 V6 at the same level as V4 and V5 but on at the same level as V4 and V5 but on the mid the mid- -axillary axillary line line
- 10. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Recording the trace Recordingthe trace ƒ ƒ Different ECG machines have different buttons Different ECG machines have different buttons that you have to press. that you have to press. ƒ ƒ Ask one of the staff on the ward if it is a machine Ask one of the staff on the ward if it is a machine that you are unfamiliar with. that you are unfamiliar with. ƒ ƒ Ask the patient to relax completely. Any skeletal Ask the patient to relax completely. Any skeletal muscle activity will be picked up as interference. muscle activity will be picked up as interference. ƒ ƒ If the trace obtained is no good, check that all If the trace obtained is no good, check that all the dots are stuck down properly the dots are stuck down properly – – they have a they have a tendency to fall off. tendency to fall off.
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- 12. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Electrophysiology Electrophysiology ƒ ƒ Pacemaker = Pacemaker= sinoatrial sinoatrial node node ƒ ƒ Impulse travels across atria Impulse travels across atria ƒ ƒ Reaches AV node Reaches AV node ƒ ƒ Transmitted along Transmitted along interventricular interventricular septum in Bundle of septum in Bundle of His His ƒ ƒ Bundle splits in two (right and left branches) Bundle splits in two (right and left branches) ƒ ƒ Purkinje fibres Purkinje fibres
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- 14. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc How does theECG work? How does the ECG work? ƒ ƒ Electrical impulse (wave of depolarisation) picked up by Electrical impulse (wave of depolarisation) picked up by placing electrodes on patient placing electrodes on patient ƒ ƒ The voltage change is sensed by measuring the current The voltage change is sensed by measuring the current change across 2 electrodes change across 2 electrodes – – a positive electrode and a a positive electrode and a negative electrode negative electrode ƒ ƒ If the electrical impulse travels If the electrical impulse travels towards towards the positive the positive electrode this results in a electrode this results in a positive positive deflection deflection ƒ ƒ If the impulse travels If the impulse travels away away from the positive electrode from the positive electrode this results in a this results in a negative negative deflection deflection
- 15. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Direction of impulse(axis) Towards the electrode = positive deflection Away from the electrode = negative deflection
- 16. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Types of Leads Typesof Leads ƒ ƒ Coronal plane (Limb Leads) Coronal plane (Limb Leads) 1. 1. Bipolar leads Bipolar leads — — l , l l , l l l l , l l , l l l 2. 2. Unipolar Unipolar leads leads — — aVL aVL , , aVR aVR , , aVF aVF ƒ ƒ Transverse plane Transverse plane V V1 1 — — V V6 6 (Chest Leads) (Chest Leads)
- 17. Electrodes around theheart Electrodes around the heart
- 18. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Leads Leads How are the12 leads on the How are the 12 leads on the ECG (I, II, III, ECG (I, II, III, aVL aVL, , aVF aVF, , aVR aVR, V1 , V1 – – 6) formed 6) formed using only 9 electrodes using only 9 electrodes (and a neutral)? (and a neutral)? ƒ ƒ Lead I is formed using the Lead I is formed using the right arm electrode (red) right arm electrode (red) as the negative electrode as the negative electrode and the and the left arm (yellow) left arm (yellow) electrode as the positive electrode as the positive - Lead I +
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- 20. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Leads Leads ƒ ƒ Lead IIis formed Lead II is formed using the using the right arm right arm electrode (red) electrode (red) as the as the negative electrode negative electrode and the and the left leg left leg electrode electrode as the as the positive positive Lead II
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- 22. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Leads Leads ƒ ƒ Lead IIIis formed using the Lead III is formed using the left arm left arm electrode electrode as the negative electrode and as the negative electrode and the the left leg electrode left leg electrode as the positive as the positive ƒ ƒ aVL aVL, , aVF aVF, and , and aVR aVR are are composite leads composite leads, , computed using the information from the computed using the information from the other leads other leads
- 23. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Leads and whatthey tell you Leads and what they tell you Limb leads Limb leads Limb leads look at the heart in the coronal Limb leads look at the heart in the coronal plane plane ƒ ƒ aVL aVL, I and II = lateral , I and II = lateral ƒ ƒ II, III and II, III and aVF aVF = inferior = inferior ƒ ƒ aVR aVR = right side of the heart = right side of the heart
- 24. Leads look atthe heart from Leads look at the heart from different directions different directions axis
- 25. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Leads and whatthey tell you Leads and what they tell you Each lead can be thought of as Each lead can be thought of as ‘ ‘looking at looking at’ ’ an area an area of myocardium of myocardium Chest leads Chest leads V V1 1 to V to V6 6 ‘ ‘look look’ ’ at the heart on the transverse plain at the heart on the transverse plain ƒ ƒ V V1 1 and V and V2 2 look at the anterior of the heart and R look at the anterior of the heart and R ventricle ventricle ƒ ƒ V V3 3 and V and V4 4 = anterior and = anterior and septal septal ƒ ƒ V V5 5 and V and V6 6 = lateral and left ventricle = lateral and left ventricle
- 26. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Elements of thetrace Elements of the trace
- 27. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc What do thecomponents What do the components represent? represent? ƒ ƒ P wave = P wave = atrial atrial depolarisation depolarisation ƒ ƒ QRS = QRS = ventricular depolarisation ventricular depolarisation ƒ ƒ T = T = repolarisation of the repolarisation of the ventricles ventricles
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- 29. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Interpreting the ECG Interpretingthe ECG ƒ ƒ Check Check ƒ ƒ Name Name ƒ ƒ DoB DoB ƒ ƒ Time and date Time and date ƒ ƒ Indication e.g. Indication e.g. “ “chest pain chest pain” ” or or “ “routine pre routine pre- -op op” ” ƒ ƒ Any previous or subsequent Any previous or subsequent ECGs ECGs ƒ ƒ Is it part of a serial ECG sequence? In which case it may be Is it part of a serial ECG sequence? In which case it may be numbered numbered ƒ ƒ Calibration Calibration ƒ ƒ Rate Rate ƒ ƒ Rhythm Rhythm ƒ ƒ Axis Axis ƒ ƒ Elements of the tracing in each lead Elements of the tracing in each lead
- 30. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Calibration Calibration Check that yourECG is calibrated correctly Check that your ECG is calibrated correctly Height Height ƒ ƒ 10mm = 1mV 10mm = 1mV ƒ ƒ Look for a reference pulse which should be the Look for a reference pulse which should be the rectangular looking wave somewhere near the rectangular looking wave somewhere near the left of the paper. It should be 10mm (10 small left of the paper. It should be 10mm (10 small squares) tall squares) tall Paper speed Paper speed ƒ ƒ 25mm/s 25mm/s ƒ ƒ 25 mm (25 small squares / 5 large squares) 25 mm (25 small squares / 5 large squares) equals one second equals one second
- 31. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Rate Rate ƒ ƒ If theheart rate is If the heart rate is regular regular ƒ ƒ Count the number of large squares between Count the number of large squares between R waves R waves ƒ ƒ i.e. the RR interval in large squares i.e. the RR interval in large squares ƒ ƒ Rate = Rate = 300 300 RR RR e.g. RR = e.g. RR = 4 4 large squares large squares 300/ 300/4 4 = 75 beats per minute = 75 beats per minute
- 32. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Rate Rate If the rhythmis If the rhythm is irregular irregular (see next slide on rhythm (see next slide on rhythm to check whether your rhythm is regular or not) it to check whether your rhythm is regular or not) it may be better to estimate the rate using the may be better to estimate the rate using the rhythm strip at the bottom of the ECG (usually rhythm strip at the bottom of the ECG (usually lead II) lead II) The rhythm strip is usually 25cm long (250mm i.e. The rhythm strip is usually 25cm long (250mm i.e. 10 seconds) 10 seconds) If you count the number of R waves on that strip If you count the number of R waves on that strip and multiple by 6 you will get the rate and multiple by 6 you will get the rate
- 33. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Rhythm Rhythm Is the rhythmregular? Is the rhythm regular? ƒ ƒ The easiest way to tell is to take a sheet of paper and line up The easiest way to tell is to take a sheet of paper and line up one one edge with the tips of the R waves on the rhythm strip. edge with the tips of the R waves on the rhythm strip. ƒ ƒ Mark off on the paper the positions of 3 or 4 R wave tips Mark off on the paper the positions of 3 or 4 R wave tips ƒ ƒ Move the paper along the rhythm strip so that your first mark li Move the paper along the rhythm strip so that your first mark lines nes up with another R wave tip up with another R wave tip ƒ ƒ See if the subsequent R wave tips line up with the subsequent See if the subsequent R wave tips line up with the subsequent marks on your paper marks on your paper ƒ ƒ If they do line up, the rhythm is regular. If not, the rhythm i If they do line up, the rhythm is regular. If not, the rhythm is irregular s irregular
- 34. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Rhythm Rhythm Sinus Rhythm Sinus Rhythm ƒ ƒDefinition Definition Cardiac impulse originates from the Cardiac impulse originates from the sinus node. Every QRS must be sinus node. Every QRS must be preceded by a P wave. preceded by a P wave. ƒ ƒ (This does not mean that every P wave must be (This does not mean that every P wave must be followed by a QRS followed by a QRS – – such as in 2 such as in 2nd nd degree heart degree heart block where some P waves are not followed by a block where some P waves are not followed by a QRS, however every QRS is preceded by a P wave QRS, however every QRS is preceded by a P wave and the rhythm originates in the sinus node, hence it and the rhythm originates in the sinus node, hence it is a sinus rhythm. It could be said that it is not a is a sinus rhythm. It could be said that it is not a normal normal sinus rhythm) sinus rhythm)
- 35. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Rhythm Rhythm Sinus arrhythmia Sinus arrhythmia ƒ ƒThere is a change in heart rate depending on the phase of There is a change in heart rate depending on the phase of respiration respiration ƒ ƒ Q. If a person with sinus arrhythmia inspires, what happens to t Q. If a person with sinus arrhythmia inspires, what happens to their heir heart rate? heart rate? ƒ ƒ A. The heart rate speeds up. This is because on inspiration th A. The heart rate speeds up. This is because on inspiration there is ere is a a decrease decrease in in intrathoracic intrathoracic pressure, this leads to an increased pressure, this leads to an increased venous return to the right atrium. Increased stretching of the venous return to the right atrium. Increased stretching of the right right atrium sets off a brainstem reflex (Bainbridge atrium sets off a brainstem reflex (Bainbridge’ ’s reflex) that leads to s reflex) that leads to sympathetic activation of the heart, hence it speeds up) sympathetic activation of the heart, hence it speeds up) ƒ ƒ This physiological phenomenon is more apparent in children and This physiological phenomenon is more apparent in children and young adults young adults
- 36. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Rhythm Rhythm Sinus Sinus bradycardia bradycardia ƒ ƒ Rhythmoriginates in the sinus node Rhythm originates in the sinus node ƒ ƒ Rate of less than 60 beats per minute Rate of less than 60 beats per minute Sinus tachycardia Sinus tachycardia ƒ ƒ Rhythm originates in the sinus node Rhythm originates in the sinus node ƒ ƒ Rate of greater than 100 beats per minute Rate of greater than 100 beats per minute
- 37. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Axis Axis ƒ ƒ The axiscan be though of as the overall The axis can be though of as the overall direction of the cardiac impulse or wave of direction of the cardiac impulse or wave of depolarisation of the heart depolarisation of the heart ƒ ƒ An abnormal axis (axis deviation) can give An abnormal axis (axis deviation) can give a clue to possible pathology a clue to possible pathology
- 38. Axis Axis A normal axis canlie anywhere between -30 and +90 degrees or +120 degrees according to some An axis falling outside the normal range can be left axis deviation right axis deviation or extreme axis deviation
- 39. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Axis deviation Axis deviation- - Causes Causes ƒ ƒ Wolff Wolff- -Parkinson Parkinson- -White White syndrome can cause both Left syndrome can cause both Left and Right axis deviation and Right axis deviation A useful mnemonic: A useful mnemonic: ƒ ƒ “ “RAD RALPH RAD RALPH the the LAD LAD from from VILLA VILLA” ” ƒ ƒ R Right ight A Axis xis D Deviation eviation ƒ ƒ R Right ventricular hypertrophy ight ventricular hypertrophy ƒ ƒ A Anterolateral nterolateral MI MI ƒ ƒ L Left eft P Posterior osterior H Hemiblock emiblock ƒ ƒ L Left eft A Axis xis D Deviation eviation ƒ ƒ V Ventricular tachycardia entricular tachycardia ƒ ƒ I Inferior MI nferior MI ƒ ƒ L Left ventricular hypertrophy eft ventricular hypertrophy ƒ ƒ L Left eft A Anterior nterior hemiblock hemiblock
- 40. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The P wave TheP wave The P wave represents The P wave represents atrial atrial depolarisation depolarisation It can be thought of as being It can be thought of as being made up of two separate made up of two separate waves due to waves due to right right atrial atrial depolarisation and depolarisation and left left atrial atrial depolarisation. depolarisation. Which occurs first? Which occurs first? Right Right atrial atrial depolarisation depolarisation right atrial depolarisation Sum of right and left waves left atrial depolarisation
- 41. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The P wave TheP wave Dimensions Dimensions ƒ ƒ No hard and fast rules No hard and fast rules Height Height ƒ ƒ a P wave over 2.5mm should arouse suspicion a P wave over 2.5mm should arouse suspicion Length Length ƒ ƒ a P wave longer than 0.08s (2 small squares) should a P wave longer than 0.08s (2 small squares) should arouse suspicion arouse suspicion
- 42. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The P wave TheP wave Height Height ƒ ƒ A tall P wave (over A tall P wave (over 2.5mm) can be called 2.5mm) can be called P P pulmonale pulmonale ƒ ƒ Occurs due to Occurs due to R R atrial atrial hypertrophy hypertrophy ƒ ƒ Causes include: Causes include: ƒ ƒ pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, ƒ ƒ pulmonary pulmonary stenosis stenosis ƒ ƒ tricuspid tricuspid stenosis stenosis normal P pulmonale >2.5mm
- 43. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The P wave TheP wave Length Length ƒ ƒ A P wave with a length A P wave with a length >0.08 seconds (2 small >0.08 seconds (2 small squares) and a bifid squares) and a bifid shape is called shape is called P P mitrale mitrale ƒ ƒ It is caused by left It is caused by left atrial atrial hypertrophy and delayed hypertrophy and delayed left left atrial atrial depolarisation depolarisation ƒ ƒ Causes include: Causes include: ƒ ƒ Mitral valve disease Mitral valve disease ƒ ƒ LVH LVH normal P mitrale
- 44. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The PR interval ThePR interval ƒ ƒ The PR interval is measured between the The PR interval is measured between the start of the P wave to the start of the QRS start of the P wave to the start of the QRS complex complex ƒ ƒ (therefore if there is a Q wave before the R (therefore if there is a Q wave before the R wave the PR interval is measured from the wave the PR interval is measured from the start of the P wave to the start of the start of the P wave to the start of the Q Q wave, not the start of the R wave) wave, not the start of the R wave)
- 45. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The PR interval ThePR interval ƒ ƒ The PR interval corresponds to the time The PR interval corresponds to the time period between depolarisation of the atria period between depolarisation of the atria and ventricular depolarisation. and ventricular depolarisation. ƒ ƒ A normal PR interval is between 0.12 and A normal PR interval is between 0.12 and 0.2 seconds ( 3 0.2 seconds ( 3- -5 small squares) 5 small squares)
- 46. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The PR interval ThePR interval ƒ ƒ If the PR interval is short (less than 3 small If the PR interval is short (less than 3 small squares) it may signify that there is an accessory squares) it may signify that there is an accessory electrical pathway between the atria and the electrical pathway between the atria and the ventricles, hence the ventricles depolarise early ventricles, hence the ventricles depolarise early giving a short PR interval. giving a short PR interval. ƒ ƒ One example of this is Wolff One example of this is Wolff- -Parkinson Parkinson- -White White syndrome where the accessory pathway is syndrome where the accessory pathway is called the bundle of Kent. See next slide for an called the bundle of Kent. See next slide for an animation to explain this animation to explain this
- 47. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Depolarisation begins at theSA node The wave of depolarisation spreads across the atria It reaches the AV node and the accessory bundle Conduction is delayed as usual by the in-built delay in the AV node However, the accessory bundle has no such delay and depolarisation begins early in the part of the ventricle served by the bundle As the depolarisation in this part of the ventricle does not travel in the high speed conduction pathway, the spread of depolarisation across the ventricle is slow, causing a slow rising delta wave Until rapid depolarisation resumes via the normal pathway and a more normal complex follows
- 48. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The PR interval ThePR interval ƒ ƒ If the PR interval is long (>5 small squares If the PR interval is long (>5 small squares or 0.2s): or 0.2s): ƒ ƒ If there is a constant long PR interval 1 If there is a constant long PR interval 1st st degree heart block is present degree heart block is present ƒ ƒ First degree heart block is a longer than First degree heart block is a longer than normal delay in conduction at the AV node normal delay in conduction at the AV node
- 49. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The PR interval ThePR interval ƒ ƒ If the PR interval looks as though it is If the PR interval looks as though it is widening widening every beat and then a QRS complex is missing, every beat and then a QRS complex is missing, there is there is 2 2nd nd degree heart block, degree heart block, Mobitz Mobitz type I type I. . The lengthening of the PR interval in The lengthening of the PR interval in subsequent beats is known as the subsequent beats is known as the Wenckebach Wenckebach phenomenon phenomenon ƒ ƒ (remember ( (remember (w w)one, )one, W Wenckebach enckebach, , w widens) idens) ƒ ƒ If the PR interval is If the PR interval is constant constant but then there is a but then there is a missed QRS complex then there is missed QRS complex then there is 2 2nd nd degree degree heart block, heart block, Mobitz Mobitz type II type II
- 50. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The PR interval ThePR interval ƒ ƒ If there is If there is no discernable relationship no discernable relationship between the P waves and the QRS between the P waves and the QRS complexes, then complexes, then 3 3rd rd degree heart degree heart block is block is present present
- 51. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Heart block (AVnode block) Heart block (AV node block) Summary Summary ƒ ƒ 1 1st st degree degree ƒ ƒ constant PR, >0.2 seconds constant PR, >0.2 seconds ƒ ƒ 2 2nd nd degree type 1 ( degree type 1 (Wenckebach Wenckebach) ) ƒ ƒ PR widens over subsequent beats then a QRS is dropped PR widens over subsequent beats then a QRS is dropped ƒ ƒ 2 2nd nd degree type 2 degree type 2 ƒ ƒ PR is constant then a QRS is dropped PR is constant then a QRS is dropped ƒ ƒ 3 3rd rd degree degree ƒ ƒ No discernable relationship between p waves and QRS No discernable relationship between p waves and QRS complexes complexes
- 52. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The Q wave TheQ wave Are there any pathological Q Are there any pathological Q waves? waves? ƒ ƒ A Q wave can be pathological A Q wave can be pathological if it is: if it is: ƒ ƒ Deeper than 2 small squares Deeper than 2 small squares (0.2mV) (0.2mV) and/or and/or ƒ ƒ Wider than 1 small square Wider than 1 small square (0.04s) (0.04s) and/or and/or ƒ ƒ In a lead other than III or one In a lead other than III or one of the leads that look at the of the leads that look at the heart from the left (I, II, heart from the left (I, II, aVL aVL, , V5 and V6) where small Qs V5 and V6) where small Qs (i.e. not meeting the criteria (i.e. not meeting the criteria above) can be normal above) can be normal Normal if in I,II,III,aVL,V5-6 Pathological anywhere
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- 54. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The QRS height TheQRS height ƒ ƒ If the complexes in the chest leads look If the complexes in the chest leads look very tall, consider left ventricular very tall, consider left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) hypertrophy (LVH) ƒ ƒ If the depth of the S wave in V If the depth of the S wave in V1 1 added to added to the height of the R wave in V the height of the R wave in V6 6 comes to comes to more than 35mm, LVH is present more than 35mm, LVH is present
- 55. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc QRS width QRS width ƒ ƒThe width of the QRS complex should be less The width of the QRS complex should be less than 0.12 seconds (3 small squares) than 0.12 seconds (3 small squares) ƒ ƒ Some texts say less than 0.10 seconds (2.5 Some texts say less than 0.10 seconds (2.5 small squares) small squares) ƒ ƒ If the QRS is wider than this, it suggests a If the QRS is wider than this, it suggests a ventricular conduction problem ventricular conduction problem – – usually usually right or right or left bundle branch block (RBBB or LBBB) left bundle branch block (RBBB or LBBB)
- 56. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc LBBB LBBB ƒ ƒ If If left leftbundle branch block bundle branch block is present, the QRS is present, the QRS complex may look like a complex may look like a ‘ ‘W W’ ’ in V in V1 1 and/or an and/or an ‘ ‘M M’ ’ shape in V shape in V6. 6. ƒ ƒ New onset LBBB with New onset LBBB with chest pain consider chest pain consider Myocardial infarction Myocardial infarction ƒ ƒ Not possible to interpret Not possible to interpret the ST segment. the ST segment.
- 57. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc RBBB RBBB ƒ ƒ It isalso called RSR It is also called RSR pattern pattern ƒ ƒ If If right right bundle branch bundle branch block is present, there block is present, there may be an may be an ‘ ‘M M’ ’ in V1 in V1 and/or a and/or a ‘ ‘W W’ ’ in V6. in V6. ƒ ƒ Can occur in healthy Can occur in healthy people with normal QRS people with normal QRS width width – – partial RBBB partial RBBB
- 58. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc QRS width QRS width Itis useful to look at leads V It is useful to look at leads V1 1 and V and V6 6 ƒ ƒ LBBB and RBBB can be remembered by the LBBB and RBBB can be remembered by the mnemonic: mnemonic: ƒ ƒ W Wi iLL LLia iaM M M Ma aRR RRo oW W ƒ ƒ Bundle branch block is caused either by Bundle branch block is caused either by infarction or fibrosis (related to the ageing infarction or fibrosis (related to the ageing process) process)
- 59. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The ST segment TheST segment ƒ ƒ The ST segment should sit on the The ST segment should sit on the isoelectric isoelectric line line ƒ ƒ It is abnormal if there is planar (i.e. flat) elevation It is abnormal if there is planar (i.e. flat) elevation or depression of the ST segment or depression of the ST segment ƒ ƒ Planar ST elevation can represent an MI or Planar ST elevation can represent an MI or Prinzmetal Prinzmetal’ ’s s ( (vasospastic vasospastic) angina ) angina ƒ ƒ Planar ST depression can represent Planar ST depression can represent ischaemia ischaemia
- 60. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Myocardial infarction Myocardial infarction ƒ ƒWithin hours: Within hours: ƒ ƒ T wave may become peaked T wave may become peaked ƒ ƒ ST segment may begin to rise ST segment may begin to rise ƒ ƒ Within 24 hours: Within 24 hours: ƒ ƒ T wave inverts (may or may not persist) T wave inverts (may or may not persist) ƒ ƒ ST elevation begins to resolve ST elevation begins to resolve ƒ ƒ If a left ventricular aneurysm forms, ST elevation may persist If a left ventricular aneurysm forms, ST elevation may persist ƒ ƒ Within a few days: Within a few days: ƒ ƒ pathological Q waves can form and usually persist pathological Q waves can form and usually persist
- 61. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Myocardial infarction Myocardial infarction ƒ ƒThe leads affected determine the site of The leads affected determine the site of the infarct the infarct ƒ ƒ Inferior Inferior II, III, II, III, aVF aVF ƒ ƒ Anteroseptal Anteroseptal V1 V1- -V4 V4 ƒ ƒ Anterolateral Anterolateral V4 V4- -V6, I, V6, I, aVL aVL ƒ ƒ Posterior Posterior Tall wide R and ST Tall wide R and ST↓ ↓ in V1 in V1 and V2 and V2
- 62. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Acute Anterior MI AcuteAnterior MI ST elevation
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- 64. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The ST segment TheST segment ƒ ƒ If the ST segment is elevated but slanted, If the ST segment is elevated but slanted, it may not be significant it may not be significant ƒ ƒ If there are raised ST segments in most of If there are raised ST segments in most of the leads, it may indicate the leads, it may indicate pericarditis pericarditis – – especially if the ST segments are saddle especially if the ST segments are saddle shaped. There can also be PR segment shaped. There can also be PR segment depression depression
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- 66. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The T wave TheT wave ƒ ƒ Are the T waves too tall? Are the T waves too tall? ƒ ƒ No definite rule for height No definite rule for height ƒ ƒ T wave generally shouldn T wave generally shouldn’ ’t t be taller than half the size be taller than half the size of the preceding QRS of the preceding QRS ƒ ƒ Causes: Causes: ƒ ƒ Hyperkalaemia Hyperkalaemia ƒ ƒ Acute myocardial Acute myocardial infarction infarction
- 67. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The T wave TheT wave ƒ ƒ If the T wave is flat, it may indicate If the T wave is flat, it may indicate hypokalaemia hypokalaemia ƒ ƒ If the T wave is inverted it may indicate If the T wave is inverted it may indicate ischaemia ischaemia
- 68. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The QT interval TheQT interval ƒ ƒ The QT interval is measured from the The QT interval is measured from the start start of the of the QRS complex to the QRS complex to the end end of the T wave. of the T wave. ƒ ƒ The QT interval varies with heart rate The QT interval varies with heart rate ƒ ƒ As the heart rate gets faster, the QT interval gets As the heart rate gets faster, the QT interval gets shorter shorter ƒ ƒ It is possible to correct the QT interval with It is possible to correct the QT interval with respect to rate by using the following formula: respect to rate by using the following formula: ƒ ƒ QTc QTc = QT/ = QT/√ √RR ( RR (QTc QTc = corrected QT) = corrected QT)
- 69. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The QT interval TheQT interval ƒ ƒ The normal range for The normal range for QTc QTc is 0.38 is 0.38- -0.42 0.42 ƒ ƒ A short A short QTc QTc may indicate may indicate hypercalcaemia hypercalcaemia ƒ ƒ A long A long QTc QTc has many causes has many causes ƒ ƒ Long Long QTc QTc increases the risk of developing increases the risk of developing an arrhythmia an arrhythmia
- 70. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc The U wave TheU wave ƒ ƒ U waves occur after the T wave and are U waves occur after the T wave and are often difficult to see often difficult to see ƒ ƒ They are thought to be due to They are thought to be due to repolarisation of the repolarisation of the atrial atrial septum septum ƒ ƒ Prominent U waves can be a sign of Prominent U waves can be a sign of hypokalaemia hypokalaemia, hyperthyroidism , hyperthyroidism
- 71. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Supraventricular Supraventricular tachycardias tachycardias ƒ ƒ Theseare These are tachycardias tachycardias where the impulse is initiated in where the impulse is initiated in the atria ( the atria (sinoatrial sinoatrial node, node, atrial atrial wall or wall or atrioventricular atrioventricular node) node) ƒ ƒ If there is a normal conduction pathway when the If there is a normal conduction pathway when the impulse reaches the ventricles, a narrow QRS complex impulse reaches the ventricles, a narrow QRS complex is formed, hence they are narrow complex is formed, hence they are narrow complex tachycardias tachycardias ƒ ƒ However if there is a conduction problem in the However if there is a conduction problem in the ventricles such as LBBB, then a broad QRS complex is ventricles such as LBBB, then a broad QRS complex is formed. This would result in a form of broad complex formed. This would result in a form of broad complex tachycardia tachycardia
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- 73. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Atrial Atrial Fibrillation Fibrillation Features: Features: ƒ ƒ Theremaybe tachycardia There maybe tachycardia ƒ ƒ The rhythm is usually irregularly irregular The rhythm is usually irregularly irregular ƒ ƒ No P waves are discernible No P waves are discernible – – instead instead there is a shaky baseline there is a shaky baseline ƒ ƒ This is because there is no order to This is because there is no order to atrial atrial depolarisation, different areas of atrium depolarisation, different areas of atrium depolarise at will depolarise at will
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- 76. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Atrial Atrial flutter flutter ƒ ƒ Thereis a saw There is a saw- -tooth baseline which rises above and tooth baseline which rises above and dips below the dips below the isoelectric isoelectric line. line. ƒ ƒ Atrial Atrial rate 250/min rate 250/min ƒ ƒ This is created by circular circuits of depolarisation This is created by circular circuits of depolarisation set up in the atria set up in the atria
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- 78. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Ventricular Tachycardia Ventricular Tachycardia ƒ ƒQRS complexes are wide and irregular in shape QRS complexes are wide and irregular in shape ƒ ƒ Usually secondary to infarction Usually secondary to infarction ƒ ƒ Circuits of depolarisation are set up in damaged Circuits of depolarisation are set up in damaged myocardium myocardium ƒ ƒ This leads to recurrent early repolarisation of the This leads to recurrent early repolarisation of the ventricle leading to tachycardia ventricle leading to tachycardia ƒ ƒ As the rhythm originates in the ventricles, there is a As the rhythm originates in the ventricles, there is a broad QRS complex broad QRS complex ƒ ƒ Hence it is one of the causes of a broad complex Hence it is one of the causes of a broad complex tachycardia tachycardia ƒ ƒ Need to differentiate with Need to differentiate with supraventricular supraventricular tachycardia tachycardia with aberrant conduction with aberrant conduction
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- 80. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Ventricular fibrillation Ventricular fibrillation ƒ ƒCompletely disordered ventricular Completely disordered ventricular depolarisation depolarisation ƒ ƒ Not compatible with a cardiac output Not compatible with a cardiac output ƒ ƒ Results in a completely irregular trace Results in a completely irregular trace consisting of broad QRS complexes of consisting of broad QRS complexes of varying widths, heights and rates varying widths, heights and rates
- 81. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Elements of thetracing Elements of the tracing P wave P wave ƒ ƒ Magnitude and shape, Magnitude and shape, ƒ ƒ e.g. P e.g. P pulmonale pulmonale, P , P mitrale mitrale PR interval PR interval (start of P to start of QRS) (start of P to start of QRS) ƒ ƒ Normal 3 Normal 3- -5 small squares, 5 small squares, 0.12 0.12- -0.2s 0.2s Pathological Q waves? Pathological Q waves? QRS complex QRS complex ƒ ƒ Magnitude, duration and Magnitude, duration and shape shape ƒ ƒ ≤ ≤ 3 small squares or 0.12s 3 small squares or 0.12s duration duration ST segment ST segment ƒ ƒ Should be Should be isoelectric isoelectric T wave T wave ƒ ƒ Magnitude and direction Magnitude and direction QT interval QT interval (Start QRS to end of T) (Start QRS to end of T) ƒ ƒ Normally Normally < 2 big squares or < 2 big squares or 0.4s at 60bpm 0.4s at 60bpm ƒ ƒ Corrected to 60bpm Corrected to 60bpm ƒ ƒ ( (QTc QTc) = QT/ ) = QT/√ √RR RRinterval interval
- 82. medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc medics.cc Further work Further work ƒ ƒCheck out the various quizzes / games Check out the various quizzes / games available on the Imperial Intranet available on the Imperial Intranet ƒ ƒ Get doctors on the wards to run through a Get doctors on the wards to run through a patient patient’ ’s ECG with you s ECG with you