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ECG Interpretation
ECG’s Step by Step
A Clinical Review
by
DrProff Patrick
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ECG Interpretation
ECG Interpretation Guide
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ECG Interpretation
History of the 12 Lead
• Einthoven built first clinical EKG in 1983 and coined the term as well as
the convention “PQRST” deflections; earning him a Nobel Prize in 1924.
• In 1934, Dr. Frank N. Wilson of the University of Michigan developed the
concept of the ‘central terminal’ blazing the way for the precordial leads
“V1-6” as adopted by the AHA in 1938.
• In 1942, Dr. Goldberger, using Wilson's central terminal, constructed
unipolar leads with the central (zero) terminal and connected to
additional positive unipolar leads on each of the left and right arms and
the left leg resulting in AVR, AVL and AVF.
• In 1954, the AHA recommended for standardization of 12-lead
electrocardiogram
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ECG Interpretation
Learning Objectives
• Following this ECG review, students should be able to:
• Do the things
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ECG Interpretation
Electro-Kardio-Gram
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ECG Interpretation
Key Terms
• Wave: A positive or negative deflection from baseline that indicates a specific
electrical event. The waves on an ECG include the P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, T
wave and U wave.
• Interval: The time between two specific ECG events. The intervals commonly
measured on an ECG include the PR interval, QRS interval (also called QRS
duration), QT interval and RR interval.
• Segment: The length between two specific points on an ECG that are supposed to
be at the baseline amplitude (not negative or positive). The segments on an ECG
include the PR segment, ST segment and TP segment.
• Complex: The combination of multiple waves grouped together. The only main
complex on an ECG is the QRS complex.
• Point: There is only one point on an ECG termed the J point, which is where the
QRS complex ends and the ST segment begins.Call
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ECG Interpretation
Where the leads go
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ECG Interpretation
Step By Step Approach
• Develop a uniformed approach to reading every EKG so that you
are not distracted by findings or bias!
• Helpful ECG Pocket review guide by Dr. Akshay Deshpande
• Rate, Rhythm, Axis, Intervals, Ps and Qs, ST/Ts and Summery
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ECG Interpretation
Step 1: Rate
• 2 Methods centered
around principles of small
boxes are 0.04s and large
boxes are 0.2s
• Rate by Boxes
• 300, 150, 100, 75,
60, 50, 43…
• Strip Method
• R waves x 6
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ECG Interpretation
Step 2: Rhythm
• Is there a single,
regular P before
every Q wave?
• Sinus Rhythm
• Varying P waves?
• WAP or MAT
• No P waves
• Buried* A fib,
junctional or
ventricular
origins
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ECG Interpretation
Step 3: Axis
• Look at I and
AVF:
• Up Up = Normal
• Up Down = Left
• Down Up = Right
• Down Down =
Extreme
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ECG Interpretation
Step 4: Intervals
• PR interval
• Normal = 0.12 -0.2
(<1 big box)
• AV Blocks
• QRS interval
• Normal < 0.12 (3
small boxes)
• QT/QTc interval
• Screen with T <
50% between Q-Q
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ECG Interpretation
Step 5: Ps and Qs
• Right Atrial Enlargement:
• Tall or peaking (2-3 small
boxes) P wave in II
• Biphasic P in V1
• Left Atrial Enlargement:
• Wide (3 small boxes) P wave
in II
• Notched P wave in V1
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ECG Interpretation
Step 5: Ps and Qs
• Right Ventricle Enlargement:
• rsR’ in V1 and S waves in
V5/V6
• Right “Stain” Pattern- T wave
inversion in the right-sided
leads
• RAE
• RAD
• Left Ventricle Enlargement:
• ESTES and CORNELL Criteria
• Big R wave in V5 or V6 plus Big
S wave in V1
• Left “Stain” Pattern- T wave
inversion in the left-sided leads
• LAE
• LAD
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ECG Interpretation
Step 6: ST/Ts
• Ischemia
• ST depressions and T wave
inversions in consecutive leads
• Injury
• ST elevations, peaked T waves or
T wave inversions in consecutive
leads
• Infarction
• Q waves > 1/3 hight of QRS or >
1 small box width in consecutive
leads (not in III and aVR)
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ECG Interpretation
Location location location
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ECG Interpretation
Step 7: Special Cases
• Targeted to WHY you ordered an ECG in the first place
• Right and left bundle branches- “William Marrow”, bunny ears or RsR’
• AV Blocks- 1st-3rd degree blocks and treatment
• Delta Waves- Shark fins sign for Wolf Parkinson White
• Peaked Ts or U waves- Hyper and Hypokalemia
• S1Q3T3- Not sensitive but most specific ECG sign of PE
• Brugada Syndrome- AD cause of long QT and sudden cardiac death
• Epsilon Waves- Specific finding for ARVC
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ECG Interpretation
Step 8: Overall Review
• Review the findings and write the final summery statement of the
EKG:
• Ex: Abnormal EKG with sinus tachycardia, LAD, prolonged QRS and LVH.
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ECG Interpretation
Practice Case 1
• A 59 year
old smoker
with a
history of
DM2, HLD
and HTN
presents
for acute
onset
crushing
chest pain.
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ECG Interpretation
Case 1 Questions
• Interpretation:
• Q1: What is your diagnosis?
• Q2: What vessel supplies this area?
• Q3: What are your best treatments acutely and long term?
• Q4: What are some of his risk factors?
• Q5: What are short and long term complications?
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ECG Interpretation
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ECG Interpretation
Case 1 Answers
• Case 1: The ECG shows classic findings of acute/hyperacute anterior wall Q wave myocardial
infarction (MI), with reciprocal inferior ST depressions.
• The distribution of changes is consistent with a proximal left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion
• MONA BASSH- Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerine, Aspirin/Clopidogrel and Beta Blocker, ACE
Inhibitor/ARB, Statin, Short acting Nitrates, Heparin/LMWH (ExTRACT TIMI 25 and ESSENSE
trials)
• CABG: L main, 3 vessels, 2 vessels + DM (>70% occlusion), pain despite maximum medical tx, or post-infarction
angina
• Always quit smoking, manage comorbidities aggressively (HTN, DM2 etc.)
• Premature atherosclerosis here was associated with multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease:
hypertension, hyperlipidemia, Diabetes, and tobacco.
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ECG Interpretation
Post MI Complications
• Most common cause of death?
• Arrhythmias. V-fib
• New systolic murmur at apex and
SOB?
• Papillary muscle rupture
• Acute severe hypotension, pulsus
paradoxus?
• Ventricular free wall rupture
• Increase in O2 from RA -> RV and
holosystolic murmur at Erb’s Point?
• Ventricular septal rupture
• Cold blue toe and lacy rash?
• Cholesterol Emboli Syndrome. Look for
eosinophilia and AKI.
• Persistent ST elevation ~1mo later?
• Ventricular Aneurysm
• Palpitations and “Cannon A-waves”?
• 3rd degree heart block. Tx w/ pacer
• 5-10wks later pleuritic CP, low grade
temp?
• Dressler’s syndrome. autoimmune
pericarditis. Tx w/ NSAIDs and aspirin.
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ECG Interpretation
Practice Case 2
• 23-year-old with
no pmhx on
OCPs presents
for a leg cramp
and feels short
of breath with
activity. EKG is
shown.
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ECG Interpretation
Case 2 Questions
• Interpretation:
• Q1: What is your diagnosis?
• Q2: What is the sensitivity and specificity of this EKG finding?
• Q3: What are some common scoring criteria for this diagnosis?
• Q4: What are your treatment options and doses for this patient?
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ECG Interpretation
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ECG Interpretation
Case 2 Answers
• Case 2: The ECG shows sinus tachycardia at rest with an S1Q3
pattern and a minor right ventricular (RV) conduction delay
• The classic S1Q3T3 pattern is described to be present only in 20 % of
cases, Ferrari et al found that this pattern had a sensitivity of 54% and
a specificity of 62%. The initial characterization of electrocardiographic
abnormalities associated with pulmonary embolism was reported by
McGinn and White in 1935.
• PERC, WELLs scoring for diagnosis. PESI for outcomes at 30 days.
• Treatments: DOAC, Lovenox, heparin drip, warfarin bridge, EKOS,
systemic thrombolytics, thrombectomy.
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ECG Interpretation
Practice Case 3
• A 39-year-old
patient with
ESRD due to
SLE presents
for N/V after
missing his last
dialysis
appointment. He
was trying a
new juicing
cleanse with lots
of fruits. EKG
was obtained.
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ECG Interpretation
Case 3 Questions
• Interpretation:
• Q1: What electrolyte disturbance is likely?
• Q2: What treatment options are available and in what order?
• Q3: Can you tell what level his K is based on EKG changes? Why
or why not?
• Q4: What fruit has the highest level of this electrolyte?
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ECG Interpretation
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ECG Interpretation
Case 3 Answers
• Case 3 Answer: Hyperkalemia (K+ = 8.7 mEq/L) secondary to acute on
chronic renal failure. The ECG shows symmetrically peaked ("tented") T
waves associated with potassium levels in excess of 6 mEq/L. The tracing
also shows broad and flattened sinus P waves that may precede frank sino-
ventricular conduction seen with severe hyperkalemia
• CaGluconate/CaCl, Insulin D5, Albuterol, Lactulose, Lasix, SPS
• Note that T wave peaking with hyperkalemia is a relative finding: the absolute
magnitude of the T waves cannot be used to rule in or rule out hyperkalemia.
It’s all about the rate that the K+ goes up. Thus specific levels of serum
potassium cannot be linked to unique ECG patterns!
• Avocados, Guavas and Kiwis all have more K per 100g than a banana.
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ECG Interpretation
Practice Case 4
• A 35 year old
with a history
of lupus and
recent URI
presents for
chest pain.
They are sitting
up in bed and
wince with
every breath.
EKG is shown.
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ECG Interpretation
Case 4 Questions
• Interpretation:
• Q1: What is your diagnosis?
• Q2: what is your lab workup and imaging after this EKG?
• Q3: What are common causes of this?
• Q4: What are your treatment options for this patient?
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ECG Interpretation
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ECG Interpretation
Case 4
• Case 4: The ECG shows classic findings for acute pericarditis. These
include diffuse ST segment elevations (I, II aVF, V2-V6). In addition,
there are subtle PR segment deviations (elevated in aVR and
depressed in the inferolateral leads). There are also non-diagnostic
inferior Q waves. The S1Q3 pattern here is a non-specific finding.
• CBC, CMP, ESR, CRP, Trop, CXR, TTE, COVID, +/- serologies
• Post-infectious (viral, protozoa, mycobacteria), autoimmune (SLE, RA,
sarcoid, Amyloidosis), post-infarct, hemopericardium, neoplastic,
uremia, drug induced, radiation
• NSAIDS, Colchicine, prednisone, pericardiocentesis, pericardial
window.
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ECG Interpretation
Practice Case 5
• A 61 year old
female with a
history of
rheumatic heart
disease as a child
presents to her
PCP with
increasing dyspnea
on exertion. Her
exam is notable for
a 4/6 systolic
murmur.
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ECG Interpretation
Case 5 Questions
• Interpretation:
• Q1: What is your diagnosis?
• Q2: what is your lab workup and imaging after this EKG?
• Q3: What are common causes of this?
• Q4: What are your treatment options for this rhythm?
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ECG Interpretation
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ECG Interpretation
Case 5
• Case 5: The ECG shows very coarse atrial fibrillation with RAD,
along with T wave inversions in V1-V4 (strain pattern), all
consistent with right ventricular overload.
• Atrial Fibrillation and possible right heart strain/pulmonary
hypertension.
• CBC, CMP, TSH, Troponin, BNP. Echocardiogram and possible
RHC.
• AV nodal blockers such as BB, CCB, Digoxin or conversion with
Amiodarone or cardioversion.
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ECG Interpretation
EKG Patterns and Buzzwords
• Pattern recognition and
illness scripts
• Wide = Ventricular
• Narrow = Atria
• Regular =Sinus Tach, AVNRT,
WPW, Aflutter or Vtach
• Irregular = MAT, Afib or Vfib
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ECG Interpretation
Sinus Tachycardia
• A 49 year old man presents to the ED because of fever and a change in mental status. He
works as a construction worker and had cut himself incidentally earlier in the week but did
not clean the wound. Vital signs are BP 105/63, pulse 123 and regular, Temperature 38.8
and reparations 22. His skin is flushed and diaphoretic. Initial labs show a leukocytosis
with left shift.
• Look for: Narrow regular pattern with discernible P waves (lookout for camel hump)
• Causes- Think:
• Pain/Anxiety
• Hypoxia/Hypovolemia
• PE – most common EKG finding for PE
• Sepsis
• Acidemia
• Tx: Fix the underlying cause!
• Ivabradine
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ECG Interpretation
SVT or AVNRT
• A 38 year old women suddenly felt dizzy and calls 911 because “her heart is going to
beat out of her chest”. She has had 2 episodes of this before that resolved
spontaneously. When she presents to the hospital, vital signs are BP 128/72, pulse 158
and regular, respirations 22. EKG is shown below.
• Look for: Narrow + regular pattern without discernible P waves
• Most common cause of SVT is AVRT where 2 pathways (one fast and one slow) within AV node forming re-
entrant loop usually Initiated or terminated by PACs
• Tx: Adenosine, verapamil, vagal stimulation (carotid massage etc.)
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ECG Interpretation
Wolf-Parkinson-White
• A 23 year old medical student experiences sudden onset palpitations and shortness of
breath while studying for final exams. He had stayed up all night and consumed
multiple cups of coffee and energy drinks. On presentation to the ED, his EKG is shown
below.
• Look for: Swooping R waves, shortened PR interval and pseudo- widened QRS
• Pathophysiology: An accessory pathway from atria to ventricles through the bundle of Kent
early ventricular activation because the AV node does not slow conduction.
• Tx: unstable - synchronized cardioversion, stable- procainamide. Long term/definitive
Tx is radiofrequency ablation
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ECG Interpretation
Atrial Flutter
• A 67 year old gentleman with episodic dizziness and shortness of breath is
placed on a Holter monitor. On analysis of his read out you see the rhythm
shown below.
• Look for: Sawtooth Pattern with regular rate 150-200 bpm
• Causes- Think:
• Heart disease: Heart failure (most common association), rheumatic heart disease, CAD
• COPD
• Atrial septal defect (ASD)
• Treat: AV nodal blocking agents or ablation (IVC/tricuspid isthmus)
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ECG Interpretation
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia
• A 78 year old veteran presents to the hospital for shortness of breath. He has a 60
pack year smoking history and has a history of severe COPD requiring 5L continuous
oxygen support. His medication reconciliation shows multiple beta agonist inhalers and
theophylline. Vital sign show BP 112/63, pulse of 129 and irregular, temperature of
37.2, and respirations are 18 per minute and prolonged expirations. On chest exam,
diffuse wheezes are heart in all lung fields with prolonged respirations and an increased
AP diameter. There is a loud P2 and a right heart heave. EKG shows the rhythm below:
• Look for:
• Three + morphologically distinct P waves in the same lead
• Varying PR intervals.
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ECG Interpretation
Atrial Fibrillation
• A 78 women with a history of diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and MI has a syncopal episode at
home. She lives alone and is unsure how long she was unconscious but denies tongue biting, urinary
incontinence or confusion upon awakening. She also notices her left leg feels weak. She describes feeling
her heart beat very fast at times but did not seek treatment for this. A code stroke is called and EKG
shows:
• Look for: “Undulating baseline”,no discernible p-waves, irregular R-R interval
• Causes- Think
• Heart disease: CAD, MI, HTN, mitral regurge, Pericarditis, rheumatic disease
• Pulmonary disease, including PE
• Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or Pheo
• Excessive alcohol intake “holiday heart syndrome”
• Treatment: AV nodal blockers or synchronized cardioversion if unstable. CHA2DS2-VASc score to
determine anticoagulation.
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ECG Interpretation
Ventricular Tachycardia
• A page brings you to the room of a 67 year old who is post op day 1
from an emergent CABG status post STEMI. He is unresponsive with this
EKG rhythm:
• Look for: > 30 seconds of wide QRS, with a regular rhythm
• Causes- Think:
• CAD with prior MI- most common cause
• Active ischemia, hypotension
• Cardiomyopathies
• Congenital defects
• Prolonged QT syndrome
• Tx: Amiodarone or Sotalol if hemodynamically stable. Cardioversion if
unstable. ACLS if pulseless.
• All those with impaired EF and sustained Vtach need an ICD!
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ECG Interpretation
Ventricular Fibrillation
• A 57 year old patient on the general medicine floor is suddenly found to be unconscious. She is
being treated for pneumonia with azithromycin. Her history includes amitriptyline for
depression and fibromyalgia, quetiapine for bipolar depression, ondansetron for nausea and
methadone for pain. Upon further review of the telemetry reading you notice this rhythm.
• Look for: Wide irregular rhythm. Torsades is polymorphic
• Causes- Think:
• Ischemic heart disease- most common cause
• Antiarrhythmic drugs, especially those that cause prolonged QT intervals (Anti-ABCDE-Os) and electrolyte
abnormalities (hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia)
• Tx: ACLS algorithm + Mg for torsades
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ECG Interpretation
Ectopic Beats
• A 23 year old medical student presents for palpitations and tachycardia. He Just finished an
overnight call and has an exam upcoming. He consumed countless cups of coffee in an
effort to study. An EKG performed shows random segments of this rhythm.
• What to look for and causes of ectopic foci of depolarization
• PAC: A premature QRS complex with normal to abnormal P wave due to sympathomimetics, anxiety,
caffeine, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia
• PJC: QRS complex without a preceding P wave
• PVC: A premature, broad QRS complex due to sympathomimetics, anxiety, caffeine, hypokalemia,
hypomagnesemia, dioxin toxicity, or ischemia
• 3 more more sustained PVCs are defined as NSVT
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ECG Interpretation
Cardiac Tamponade
• A 45 year old with a history of Marfan’s Disease presents with acute chest
pain that feels “like a knife” radiating to his back. On exam, he has unequal
BP of 154/92 and 132/87 in his arms and pulse of 110. Suddenly, he
develops JVD, hypotension and pulsus paradoxus. Heart sounds are distant.
The EKG taken at that time shows:
• Look for: Alternating QRScomplex amplitude “electrical alternans”
• Causes: Aortic dissection (hypertension, smoking, collagen vascular, and syphilis), TB,
metastatic tumors
• Tx: Pericardiocentesis (US guided in subxiphoid or 5th intercostal space)
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ECG Interpretation
Sinus Bradycardia
• A 22 year old marathon runner presents for NCAA pre-participation
physical. A screening EKG is performed showing this rhythm.
• Look for: regular P waves rate < 60 bpm
• Causes: Think normal finding in athletes, or ischemia, increased vagal
tone, antiarrhythmic drugs (AV blockers), brainstem herniation
• Tx: Atropine or a cardiac pacemaker
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ECG Interpretation
1st Degree AV Block + Mobitz type I (Wenckebach)
• A 23 year old medical student from New Jersey has complaints of palpitations and
joint pain following a hiking trip. He is unsure if there was a rash or tick bite history.
• 1st Degree AV Block
• Lookfor:prolongedPRintervalwithnodroppedbeats
• 2nd Degree Heart BlockMobitz Type 1
• Lookfor:progressive,prolongationof the PRinterval followed bya droppedbeat
• Tx: Doesn’t require treatment unless unexplained symptoms
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ECG Interpretation
Mobitz type II + 3rd Degree AV Block
• A78yearoldwomenpresentsforsyncopeandafeelingof“myheartskippingabeat”for1week.
ShehasahistoryofMIandCHF.VitalsignsareBP133/79,pulse61bpmwitharegularrate.On
exam,irregularjugularvenouswaveforms“cannon-awaves”areseen.
• 2nd DegreeMobitzType2
• Lookfor:prolongedPRintervalwithdroppedbeats
• 3rdDegreeorCompleteHeartBlock
• Look for: regular P-Pinterval andregularR-Rinterval
• Tx: Pacemaker implantation
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ECG Interpretation
Sick Sinus Syndrome
• A 91 year old women presents with a 2 month history of periotic
pre-syncope, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and palpitations. She has
had no previous cardiac history and only takes a multivitamin.
During your interview her pulse ranges from 40-120 bpm.
• Look for: Alternating bradycardia, tachycardia and sinus arrest
• Causes: Often idiopathic and occurs in elderly, sarcoidosis, ischemia
• Tx: Pacemaker
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ECG Interpretation
LVH Voltage Criteria
• ESTES
• diagnostic ≥ 5 points; probable 4
points
• CORNELL (sensitivity = 22%, specificity
= 95%)
• S in V3 + R in aVL > 24 mm (men)
• S in V3 + R in aVL > 20 mm (women)
• Limb-lead voltage criteria:
• R in aVL ≥ 11 mm or, if left axis deviation, R
in aVL ≥ 13 mm plus S in III ≥ 15 mm
• R in I + S in III > 25 mm
• Chest-lead voltage criteria:
• S in V1 + R in V5 or V6 ≥ 35 mm
+ECG Criteria Points
•Voltage Criteria (any of):R or S in limb leads ≥ 20
mm
•S in V1 or V2 ≥ 30 mm
•R in V5 or V6 ≥ 30 mm
3 points
•ST-T Abnormalities:Without digitalis
•With digitalis
3 points
1 point
Left Atrial Enlargement in V1 3 points
Left axis deviation 2 points
QRS duration 0.09 sec 1 point
Delayed intrinsicoid deflection in V5 or V6 (>0.05
sec)
1 point
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ECG Interpretation
Left and Right Bundle Branches
• Left BBB
• QRS duration of > 120 ms
• Dominant S wave in V1
• Broad monophasic/bphasic R wave
in lateral leads (I, aVL, V5-V6)
• Traditionally a new LBBB and chest
pain is considered an ischemic
equivalent
• Prior LBBB cannot have EKG stress
and use Sgarbossa Criteria for ACS
rule out.
• Right BBB
• Broad QRS > 120 ms
• RSR’ pattern in V1-3 (‘M-shaped’ QRS
complex)
• Wide, slurred S wave in the lateral
leads (I, aVL, V5-6)
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ECG Interpretation
Electrolytes and Intoxications
• A73yearoldwithrenalfailure presents for chest pain and palpitations after missing their
last 3 dialysis appointments.
• Hyperkalemia - “peaked” T-waves,widened QRS(sinewave),shortQT
candprolongedPR.
• Causes:Thinkcrushinjury,burninjury,renalfailure
• Tx:IVCaGluconate,D5andinsulin,betaagonists,kayexalate,furosemideordialysis
• A17yearoldwithahistoryofanorexiaanddiureticusepresentsforinpatientrehabilitationprogram.
Sheisseverelymalnourishedandlabs/ecgareperformed.
• Hypokalemia-“Uwave”andlongQTc
• Causes:Think
• Tx:repleteK(oral>IV)andMg https://litfl.com/hypokalaemia-ecg-library/
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ECG Interpretation
Electrolytes and Intoxications
• A 78 year old man with metastatic lung and prostate cancer presents to the ED with an altered
mental status, oliguria and abdominal pain. Labs show a Ca of 13.4. EKG is shown below.
• Hypercalcemia- look for shortened QT, and notched, prolonging QRS
• Tx: IV Fluids 1st before loop diuretics and bisphosphonates
• A 35 year old with atypical depression presents with seizures. His partner found a suicide note
and an empty bottle of pills at home.
• TCA overdose – look for widening QRS due to Na channel block
• Tx: Bolus NaBicarb (overcome competitive inhibition)
https://litfl.com/hypercalcaemia-ecg-library/
https://litfl.com/tricyclic-overdose-sodium-channel-blocker-toxicity/
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Prolonged QT
• A 76 year old with a history of depression and Afib is admitted to an inpatient
service for pneumonia. She is treated with azithromycin and levofloxacin and she
develops nausea treated with ondansetron. Overnight she develops chest
discomfort and an EKG is below.
• Causes:
• Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypothermia, DRUGS
• Look for:
• QT is more than half the preceding RR interval
• Different Measures:
• Bazett: Overcorrects above 100 bpm. Fridericia /Framingham are more accurate.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
ECG Cases and Syncope: HOCM
• A 17 year old basketball player
suddenly collapses at a local AAU
tournament. EMS arrives and the
patient regains consciousness. In the
ED the patient is well appearing. A 3/6
systolic murmur is auscultated in RUSB
that decreases with hand grip. EKG
shown.
• Caused by AD mutation in sarcomere
proteins (beta-myosin heavy chain,
troponin T) that causes an enlarged,
obstructing septum.
• Tx with ICD or BB
• Look for: LVH, or deep, narrow “dagger-
like” Q waves in V5-6, I, aVL and II, III or
giant T-wave inversion
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
ECG Cases and Syncope: PE
• A 24 year old with a history of SLE on OCPs
presents with shortness of breath, pleuritic
chest pain, calf swelling and dizziness after a
long distance flight.
• Look for
• an S1Q3T3 pattern
• a prominent S wave in lead I
• a Q wave and inverted T wave in lead III
• Sinus tachycardia
• T wave inversion in leads V1 - V3
• Right Bundle Branch Block
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
ECG Cases and Syncope: Brugada Syndrome
• A 33 year old with sleep apnea comes
into the office for a life insurance
screening. His father and uncle died
suddenly in their 40s. He has pasted out
while running but thought nothing of it.
EKG shown:
• Causes: Genetic defects in cardiac sodium
transporters
• Treatment: ICD
• Look for: Coved ST segment elevation >2mm
in >1 of V1-V3 followed by a negative T wave
or >2mm of saddleback shaped ST elevation
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
ECG Cases and Syncope: ARVC
• A 19 soccer player on the Greek national
team presents to the team doctor for
palpitations ahead of the world cup. He is
diagnosed with anxiety. 2 weeks later he
synopsizes on the field and EKG is shown.
• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular
Cardiomyopathy
• Caused by: AD incomplete penetrance in
Italian/Greek youth (3:1 men) causing fibro-fatty
replacement of the right ventricular myocardium
• Look for: epsilon wave- small positive deflection
(‘blip’ or ‘wiggle’) buried in the end of the QRS
complex in V1-V4. T wave inversion in V1-3 and
Prolonged S-wave upstroke in V1-3
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Rapid Case Round
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 1
• A 23 year old medical student experiences sudden onset
palpitations and shortness of breath while studying for final exams.
He had stayed up all night and consumed multiple cups of coffee
and energy drinks. On presentation to the ED, his EKG is shown
below.
https://litfl.com/whos-afraid-of-the-big-bad-wolff/
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 2
• A 67 year old gentleman with episodic dizziness and shortness of
breath is placed on a Holter monitor. On analysis of his read out
you see the rhythm shown below.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 3
• A 23 year old medical student from New Jersey has complaints of
palpitations and joint pain following a hiking trip. He is unsure if
there was a rash or tick bite history.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 4
• A 45 year old with a history of Marfan’s Disease presents with acute
chest pain that feels “like a knife” radiating to his back. On exam, he
has unequal BP of 154/92 and 132/87 in his arms and pulse of 110.
Suddenly, he develops JVD, hypotension and pulsus paradoxus. Heart
sounds are distant. The EKG taken at that time shows:
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 5
• A 35 year old with atypical depression presents with seizures. His partner
found a suicide note and an empty bottle of pills at home.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 6
• A 17 year old basketball player
suddenly collapses at a local
AAU tournament. EMS arrives
and the patient regains
consciousness. In the ED the
patient is well appearing. A
3/6 systolic murmur is
auscultated in RUSB that
decreases with hand grip. EKG
shown.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 7
• A 78 year old man with metastatic lung and prostate cancer presents to the
ED with an altered mental status, oliguria and abdominal pain.. EKG is shown
below.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 8
• A 78 year old veteran presents to the hospital for shortness of
breath. He has a 60 pack year smoking history and has a history of
severe COPD requiring 5L continuous oxygen support. He is on
theophylline. Pulse of 129 and irregular. On chest exam, diffuse
wheezes are heart in all lung fields with prolonged respirations, a
loud P2 and right heart heave.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 9
• A 76 year old with a history of depression and Afib is admitted to an
inpatient service for pneumonia. She is treated with azithromycin and
levofloxacin and she develops nausea treated with ondansetron. Overnight
she develops chest discomfort and an EKG is below.
Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick
ECG Interpretation
Case 10 Bonus 1000 points
• A 19 soccer player on the Greek
national team presents to the team
doctor for palpitations ahead of the
world cup. He is diagnosed with
anxiety. 2 weeks later he synopsizes
on the field and EKG is shown.

EKG-Presentation-Nov-2020.pdf

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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation History ofthe 12 Lead • Einthoven built first clinical EKG in 1983 and coined the term as well as the convention “PQRST” deflections; earning him a Nobel Prize in 1924. • In 1934, Dr. Frank N. Wilson of the University of Michigan developed the concept of the ‘central terminal’ blazing the way for the precordial leads “V1-6” as adopted by the AHA in 1938. • In 1942, Dr. Goldberger, using Wilson's central terminal, constructed unipolar leads with the central (zero) terminal and connected to additional positive unipolar leads on each of the left and right arms and the left leg resulting in AVR, AVL and AVF. • In 1954, the AHA recommended for standardization of 12-lead electrocardiogram
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Learning Objectives •Following this ECG review, students should be able to: • Do the things
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Key Terms •Wave: A positive or negative deflection from baseline that indicates a specific electrical event. The waves on an ECG include the P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, T wave and U wave. • Interval: The time between two specific ECG events. The intervals commonly measured on an ECG include the PR interval, QRS interval (also called QRS duration), QT interval and RR interval. • Segment: The length between two specific points on an ECG that are supposed to be at the baseline amplitude (not negative or positive). The segments on an ECG include the PR segment, ST segment and TP segment. • Complex: The combination of multiple waves grouped together. The only main complex on an ECG is the QRS complex. • Point: There is only one point on an ECG termed the J point, which is where the QRS complex ends and the ST segment begins.Call
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step ByStep Approach • Develop a uniformed approach to reading every EKG so that you are not distracted by findings or bias! • Helpful ECG Pocket review guide by Dr. Akshay Deshpande • Rate, Rhythm, Axis, Intervals, Ps and Qs, ST/Ts and Summery
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 1:Rate • 2 Methods centered around principles of small boxes are 0.04s and large boxes are 0.2s • Rate by Boxes • 300, 150, 100, 75, 60, 50, 43… • Strip Method • R waves x 6
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 2:Rhythm • Is there a single, regular P before every Q wave? • Sinus Rhythm • Varying P waves? • WAP or MAT • No P waves • Buried* A fib, junctional or ventricular origins
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 3:Axis • Look at I and AVF: • Up Up = Normal • Up Down = Left • Down Up = Right • Down Down = Extreme
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 4:Intervals • PR interval • Normal = 0.12 -0.2 (<1 big box) • AV Blocks • QRS interval • Normal < 0.12 (3 small boxes) • QT/QTc interval • Screen with T < 50% between Q-Q
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 5:Ps and Qs • Right Atrial Enlargement: • Tall or peaking (2-3 small boxes) P wave in II • Biphasic P in V1 • Left Atrial Enlargement: • Wide (3 small boxes) P wave in II • Notched P wave in V1
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 5:Ps and Qs • Right Ventricle Enlargement: • rsR’ in V1 and S waves in V5/V6 • Right “Stain” Pattern- T wave inversion in the right-sided leads • RAE • RAD • Left Ventricle Enlargement: • ESTES and CORNELL Criteria • Big R wave in V5 or V6 plus Big S wave in V1 • Left “Stain” Pattern- T wave inversion in the left-sided leads • LAE • LAD
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 6:ST/Ts • Ischemia • ST depressions and T wave inversions in consecutive leads • Injury • ST elevations, peaked T waves or T wave inversions in consecutive leads • Infarction • Q waves > 1/3 hight of QRS or > 1 small box width in consecutive leads (not in III and aVR)
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Location locationlocation http://rebelem.com/rebel-reviews/
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 7:Special Cases • Targeted to WHY you ordered an ECG in the first place • Right and left bundle branches- “William Marrow”, bunny ears or RsR’ • AV Blocks- 1st-3rd degree blocks and treatment • Delta Waves- Shark fins sign for Wolf Parkinson White • Peaked Ts or U waves- Hyper and Hypokalemia • S1Q3T3- Not sensitive but most specific ECG sign of PE • Brugada Syndrome- AD cause of long QT and sudden cardiac death • Epsilon Waves- Specific finding for ARVC
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Step 8:Overall Review • Review the findings and write the final summery statement of the EKG: • Ex: Abnormal EKG with sinus tachycardia, LAD, prolonged QRS and LVH.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Practice Case1 • A 59 year old smoker with a history of DM2, HLD and HTN presents for acute onset crushing chest pain.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 1Questions • Interpretation: • Q1: What is your diagnosis? • Q2: What vessel supplies this area? • Q3: What are your best treatments acutely and long term? • Q4: What are some of his risk factors? • Q5: What are short and long term complications?
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 1Answers • Case 1: The ECG shows classic findings of acute/hyperacute anterior wall Q wave myocardial infarction (MI), with reciprocal inferior ST depressions. • The distribution of changes is consistent with a proximal left anterior descending (LAD) occlusion • MONA BASSH- Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerine, Aspirin/Clopidogrel and Beta Blocker, ACE Inhibitor/ARB, Statin, Short acting Nitrates, Heparin/LMWH (ExTRACT TIMI 25 and ESSENSE trials) • CABG: L main, 3 vessels, 2 vessels + DM (>70% occlusion), pain despite maximum medical tx, or post-infarction angina • Always quit smoking, manage comorbidities aggressively (HTN, DM2 etc.) • Premature atherosclerosis here was associated with multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, Diabetes, and tobacco.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Post MIComplications • Most common cause of death? • Arrhythmias. V-fib • New systolic murmur at apex and SOB? • Papillary muscle rupture • Acute severe hypotension, pulsus paradoxus? • Ventricular free wall rupture • Increase in O2 from RA -> RV and holosystolic murmur at Erb’s Point? • Ventricular septal rupture • Cold blue toe and lacy rash? • Cholesterol Emboli Syndrome. Look for eosinophilia and AKI. • Persistent ST elevation ~1mo later? • Ventricular Aneurysm • Palpitations and “Cannon A-waves”? • 3rd degree heart block. Tx w/ pacer • 5-10wks later pleuritic CP, low grade temp? • Dressler’s syndrome. autoimmune pericarditis. Tx w/ NSAIDs and aspirin.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Practice Case2 • 23-year-old with no pmhx on OCPs presents for a leg cramp and feels short of breath with activity. EKG is shown.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 2Questions • Interpretation: • Q1: What is your diagnosis? • Q2: What is the sensitivity and specificity of this EKG finding? • Q3: What are some common scoring criteria for this diagnosis? • Q4: What are your treatment options and doses for this patient?
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 2Answers • Case 2: The ECG shows sinus tachycardia at rest with an S1Q3 pattern and a minor right ventricular (RV) conduction delay • The classic S1Q3T3 pattern is described to be present only in 20 % of cases, Ferrari et al found that this pattern had a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 62%. The initial characterization of electrocardiographic abnormalities associated with pulmonary embolism was reported by McGinn and White in 1935. • PERC, WELLs scoring for diagnosis. PESI for outcomes at 30 days. • Treatments: DOAC, Lovenox, heparin drip, warfarin bridge, EKOS, systemic thrombolytics, thrombectomy.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Practice Case3 • A 39-year-old patient with ESRD due to SLE presents for N/V after missing his last dialysis appointment. He was trying a new juicing cleanse with lots of fruits. EKG was obtained.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 3Questions • Interpretation: • Q1: What electrolyte disturbance is likely? • Q2: What treatment options are available and in what order? • Q3: Can you tell what level his K is based on EKG changes? Why or why not? • Q4: What fruit has the highest level of this electrolyte?
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 3Answers • Case 3 Answer: Hyperkalemia (K+ = 8.7 mEq/L) secondary to acute on chronic renal failure. The ECG shows symmetrically peaked ("tented") T waves associated with potassium levels in excess of 6 mEq/L. The tracing also shows broad and flattened sinus P waves that may precede frank sino- ventricular conduction seen with severe hyperkalemia • CaGluconate/CaCl, Insulin D5, Albuterol, Lactulose, Lasix, SPS • Note that T wave peaking with hyperkalemia is a relative finding: the absolute magnitude of the T waves cannot be used to rule in or rule out hyperkalemia. It’s all about the rate that the K+ goes up. Thus specific levels of serum potassium cannot be linked to unique ECG patterns! • Avocados, Guavas and Kiwis all have more K per 100g than a banana.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Practice Case4 • A 35 year old with a history of lupus and recent URI presents for chest pain. They are sitting up in bed and wince with every breath. EKG is shown.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 4Questions • Interpretation: • Q1: What is your diagnosis? • Q2: what is your lab workup and imaging after this EKG? • Q3: What are common causes of this? • Q4: What are your treatment options for this patient?
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 4 •Case 4: The ECG shows classic findings for acute pericarditis. These include diffuse ST segment elevations (I, II aVF, V2-V6). In addition, there are subtle PR segment deviations (elevated in aVR and depressed in the inferolateral leads). There are also non-diagnostic inferior Q waves. The S1Q3 pattern here is a non-specific finding. • CBC, CMP, ESR, CRP, Trop, CXR, TTE, COVID, +/- serologies • Post-infectious (viral, protozoa, mycobacteria), autoimmune (SLE, RA, sarcoid, Amyloidosis), post-infarct, hemopericardium, neoplastic, uremia, drug induced, radiation • NSAIDS, Colchicine, prednisone, pericardiocentesis, pericardial window.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Practice Case5 • A 61 year old female with a history of rheumatic heart disease as a child presents to her PCP with increasing dyspnea on exertion. Her exam is notable for a 4/6 systolic murmur.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 5Questions • Interpretation: • Q1: What is your diagnosis? • Q2: what is your lab workup and imaging after this EKG? • Q3: What are common causes of this? • Q4: What are your treatment options for this rhythm?
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 5 •Case 5: The ECG shows very coarse atrial fibrillation with RAD, along with T wave inversions in V1-V4 (strain pattern), all consistent with right ventricular overload. • Atrial Fibrillation and possible right heart strain/pulmonary hypertension. • CBC, CMP, TSH, Troponin, BNP. Echocardiogram and possible RHC. • AV nodal blockers such as BB, CCB, Digoxin or conversion with Amiodarone or cardioversion.
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation EKG Patternsand Buzzwords • Pattern recognition and illness scripts • Wide = Ventricular • Narrow = Atria • Regular =Sinus Tach, AVNRT, WPW, Aflutter or Vtach • Irregular = MAT, Afib or Vfib
  • 41.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Sinus Tachycardia •A 49 year old man presents to the ED because of fever and a change in mental status. He works as a construction worker and had cut himself incidentally earlier in the week but did not clean the wound. Vital signs are BP 105/63, pulse 123 and regular, Temperature 38.8 and reparations 22. His skin is flushed and diaphoretic. Initial labs show a leukocytosis with left shift. • Look for: Narrow regular pattern with discernible P waves (lookout for camel hump) • Causes- Think: • Pain/Anxiety • Hypoxia/Hypovolemia • PE – most common EKG finding for PE • Sepsis • Acidemia • Tx: Fix the underlying cause! • Ivabradine https://litfl.com/sinus-tachycardia-ecg-library/
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation SVT orAVNRT • A 38 year old women suddenly felt dizzy and calls 911 because “her heart is going to beat out of her chest”. She has had 2 episodes of this before that resolved spontaneously. When she presents to the hospital, vital signs are BP 128/72, pulse 158 and regular, respirations 22. EKG is shown below. • Look for: Narrow + regular pattern without discernible P waves • Most common cause of SVT is AVRT where 2 pathways (one fast and one slow) within AV node forming re- entrant loop usually Initiated or terminated by PACs • Tx: Adenosine, verapamil, vagal stimulation (carotid massage etc.) https://lifeinthefastlane.com/avnrt-ecg/
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Wolf-Parkinson-White • A23 year old medical student experiences sudden onset palpitations and shortness of breath while studying for final exams. He had stayed up all night and consumed multiple cups of coffee and energy drinks. On presentation to the ED, his EKG is shown below. • Look for: Swooping R waves, shortened PR interval and pseudo- widened QRS • Pathophysiology: An accessory pathway from atria to ventricles through the bundle of Kent early ventricular activation because the AV node does not slow conduction. • Tx: unstable - synchronized cardioversion, stable- procainamide. Long term/definitive Tx is radiofrequency ablation https://litfl.com/whos-afraid-of-the-big-bad-wolff/
  • 44.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Atrial Flutter •A 67 year old gentleman with episodic dizziness and shortness of breath is placed on a Holter monitor. On analysis of his read out you see the rhythm shown below. • Look for: Sawtooth Pattern with regular rate 150-200 bpm • Causes- Think: • Heart disease: Heart failure (most common association), rheumatic heart disease, CAD • COPD • Atrial septal defect (ASD) • Treat: AV nodal blocking agents or ablation (IVC/tricuspid isthmus) https://litfl.com/atrial-flutter-ecg-library/
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    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Multifocal AtrialTachycardia • A 78 year old veteran presents to the hospital for shortness of breath. He has a 60 pack year smoking history and has a history of severe COPD requiring 5L continuous oxygen support. His medication reconciliation shows multiple beta agonist inhalers and theophylline. Vital sign show BP 112/63, pulse of 129 and irregular, temperature of 37.2, and respirations are 18 per minute and prolonged expirations. On chest exam, diffuse wheezes are heart in all lung fields with prolonged respirations and an increased AP diameter. There is a loud P2 and a right heart heave. EKG shows the rhythm below: • Look for: • Three + morphologically distinct P waves in the same lead • Varying PR intervals. https://litfl.com/multifocal-atrial-tachycardia-mat-ecg-library/
  • 46.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Atrial Fibrillation •A 78 women with a history of diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and MI has a syncopal episode at home. She lives alone and is unsure how long she was unconscious but denies tongue biting, urinary incontinence or confusion upon awakening. She also notices her left leg feels weak. She describes feeling her heart beat very fast at times but did not seek treatment for this. A code stroke is called and EKG shows: • Look for: “Undulating baseline”,no discernible p-waves, irregular R-R interval • Causes- Think • Heart disease: CAD, MI, HTN, mitral regurge, Pericarditis, rheumatic disease • Pulmonary disease, including PE • Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or Pheo • Excessive alcohol intake “holiday heart syndrome” • Treatment: AV nodal blockers or synchronized cardioversion if unstable. CHA2DS2-VASc score to determine anticoagulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21769254 https://litfl.com/atrial-fibrillation-ecg-library/
  • 47.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Ventricular Tachycardia •A page brings you to the room of a 67 year old who is post op day 1 from an emergent CABG status post STEMI. He is unresponsive with this EKG rhythm: • Look for: > 30 seconds of wide QRS, with a regular rhythm • Causes- Think: • CAD with prior MI- most common cause • Active ischemia, hypotension • Cardiomyopathies • Congenital defects • Prolonged QT syndrome • Tx: Amiodarone or Sotalol if hemodynamically stable. Cardioversion if unstable. ACLS if pulseless. • All those with impaired EF and sustained Vtach need an ICD! https://litfl.com/ventricular-tachycardia-monomorphic-ecg-library/
  • 48.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Ventricular Fibrillation •A 57 year old patient on the general medicine floor is suddenly found to be unconscious. She is being treated for pneumonia with azithromycin. Her history includes amitriptyline for depression and fibromyalgia, quetiapine for bipolar depression, ondansetron for nausea and methadone for pain. Upon further review of the telemetry reading you notice this rhythm. • Look for: Wide irregular rhythm. Torsades is polymorphic • Causes- Think: • Ischemic heart disease- most common cause • Antiarrhythmic drugs, especially those that cause prolonged QT intervals (Anti-ABCDE-Os) and electrolyte abnormalities (hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia) • Tx: ACLS algorithm + Mg for torsades https://litfl.com/polymorphic-vt-and-torsades-de-pointes-tdp/
  • 49.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Ectopic Beats •A 23 year old medical student presents for palpitations and tachycardia. He Just finished an overnight call and has an exam upcoming. He consumed countless cups of coffee in an effort to study. An EKG performed shows random segments of this rhythm. • What to look for and causes of ectopic foci of depolarization • PAC: A premature QRS complex with normal to abnormal P wave due to sympathomimetics, anxiety, caffeine, hypokalemia, or hypomagnesemia • PJC: QRS complex without a preceding P wave • PVC: A premature, broad QRS complex due to sympathomimetics, anxiety, caffeine, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, dioxin toxicity, or ischemia • 3 more more sustained PVCs are defined as NSVT https://litfl.com/premature-ventricular-complex-pvc-ecg-library/
  • 50.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Cardiac Tamponade •A 45 year old with a history of Marfan’s Disease presents with acute chest pain that feels “like a knife” radiating to his back. On exam, he has unequal BP of 154/92 and 132/87 in his arms and pulse of 110. Suddenly, he develops JVD, hypotension and pulsus paradoxus. Heart sounds are distant. The EKG taken at that time shows: • Look for: Alternating QRScomplex amplitude “electrical alternans” • Causes: Aortic dissection (hypertension, smoking, collagen vascular, and syphilis), TB, metastatic tumors • Tx: Pericardiocentesis (US guided in subxiphoid or 5th intercostal space) https://litfl.com/ecg-findings-in-massive-pericardial-effusion/
  • 51.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Sinus Bradycardia •A 22 year old marathon runner presents for NCAA pre-participation physical. A screening EKG is performed showing this rhythm. • Look for: regular P waves rate < 60 bpm • Causes: Think normal finding in athletes, or ischemia, increased vagal tone, antiarrhythmic drugs (AV blockers), brainstem herniation • Tx: Atropine or a cardiac pacemaker https://litfl.com/sinus-bradycardia-ecg-library/
  • 52.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation 1st DegreeAV Block + Mobitz type I (Wenckebach) • A 23 year old medical student from New Jersey has complaints of palpitations and joint pain following a hiking trip. He is unsure if there was a rash or tick bite history. • 1st Degree AV Block • Lookfor:prolongedPRintervalwithnodroppedbeats • 2nd Degree Heart BlockMobitz Type 1 • Lookfor:progressive,prolongationof the PRinterval followed bya droppedbeat • Tx: Doesn’t require treatment unless unexplained symptoms https://litfl.com/first-degree-heart-block-ecg-library/ https://litfl.com/av-block-2nd-degree-mobitz-i-wenckebach-phenomenon/
  • 53.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Mobitz typeII + 3rd Degree AV Block • A78yearoldwomenpresentsforsyncopeandafeelingof“myheartskippingabeat”for1week. ShehasahistoryofMIandCHF.VitalsignsareBP133/79,pulse61bpmwitharegularrate.On exam,irregularjugularvenouswaveforms“cannon-awaves”areseen. • 2nd DegreeMobitzType2 • Lookfor:prolongedPRintervalwithdroppedbeats • 3rdDegreeorCompleteHeartBlock • Look for: regular P-Pinterval andregularR-Rinterval • Tx: Pacemaker implantation https://litfl.com/second-degree-atrioventricular-block/ https://litfl.com/av-block-3rd-degree-complete-heart-block/
  • 54.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Sick SinusSyndrome • A 91 year old women presents with a 2 month history of periotic pre-syncope, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and palpitations. She has had no previous cardiac history and only takes a multivitamin. During your interview her pulse ranges from 40-120 bpm. • Look for: Alternating bradycardia, tachycardia and sinus arrest • Causes: Often idiopathic and occurs in elderly, sarcoidosis, ischemia • Tx: Pacemaker
  • 55.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation LVH VoltageCriteria • ESTES • diagnostic ≥ 5 points; probable 4 points • CORNELL (sensitivity = 22%, specificity = 95%) • S in V3 + R in aVL > 24 mm (men) • S in V3 + R in aVL > 20 mm (women) • Limb-lead voltage criteria: • R in aVL ≥ 11 mm or, if left axis deviation, R in aVL ≥ 13 mm plus S in III ≥ 15 mm • R in I + S in III > 25 mm • Chest-lead voltage criteria: • S in V1 + R in V5 or V6 ≥ 35 mm +ECG Criteria Points •Voltage Criteria (any of):R or S in limb leads ≥ 20 mm •S in V1 or V2 ≥ 30 mm •R in V5 or V6 ≥ 30 mm 3 points •ST-T Abnormalities:Without digitalis •With digitalis 3 points 1 point Left Atrial Enlargement in V1 3 points Left axis deviation 2 points QRS duration 0.09 sec 1 point Delayed intrinsicoid deflection in V5 or V6 (>0.05 sec) 1 point
  • 56.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Left andRight Bundle Branches • Left BBB • QRS duration of > 120 ms • Dominant S wave in V1 • Broad monophasic/bphasic R wave in lateral leads (I, aVL, V5-V6) • Traditionally a new LBBB and chest pain is considered an ischemic equivalent • Prior LBBB cannot have EKG stress and use Sgarbossa Criteria for ACS rule out. • Right BBB • Broad QRS > 120 ms • RSR’ pattern in V1-3 (‘M-shaped’ QRS complex) • Wide, slurred S wave in the lateral leads (I, aVL, V5-6)
  • 57.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Electrolytes andIntoxications • A73yearoldwithrenalfailure presents for chest pain and palpitations after missing their last 3 dialysis appointments. • Hyperkalemia - “peaked” T-waves,widened QRS(sinewave),shortQT candprolongedPR. • Causes:Thinkcrushinjury,burninjury,renalfailure • Tx:IVCaGluconate,D5andinsulin,betaagonists,kayexalate,furosemideordialysis • A17yearoldwithahistoryofanorexiaanddiureticusepresentsforinpatientrehabilitationprogram. Sheisseverelymalnourishedandlabs/ecgareperformed. • Hypokalemia-“Uwave”andlongQTc • Causes:Think • Tx:repleteK(oral>IV)andMg https://litfl.com/hypokalaemia-ecg-library/ https://litfl.com/hyperkalaemia-ecg-library/
  • 58.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Electrolytes andIntoxications • A 78 year old man with metastatic lung and prostate cancer presents to the ED with an altered mental status, oliguria and abdominal pain. Labs show a Ca of 13.4. EKG is shown below. • Hypercalcemia- look for shortened QT, and notched, prolonging QRS • Tx: IV Fluids 1st before loop diuretics and bisphosphonates • A 35 year old with atypical depression presents with seizures. His partner found a suicide note and an empty bottle of pills at home. • TCA overdose – look for widening QRS due to Na channel block • Tx: Bolus NaBicarb (overcome competitive inhibition) https://litfl.com/hypercalcaemia-ecg-library/ https://litfl.com/tricyclic-overdose-sodium-channel-blocker-toxicity/
  • 59.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Prolonged QT •A 76 year old with a history of depression and Afib is admitted to an inpatient service for pneumonia. She is treated with azithromycin and levofloxacin and she develops nausea treated with ondansetron. Overnight she develops chest discomfort and an EKG is below. • Causes: • Hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, hypothermia, DRUGS • Look for: • QT is more than half the preceding RR interval • Different Measures: • Bazett: Overcorrects above 100 bpm. Fridericia /Framingham are more accurate.
  • 60.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation ECG Casesand Syncope: HOCM • A 17 year old basketball player suddenly collapses at a local AAU tournament. EMS arrives and the patient regains consciousness. In the ED the patient is well appearing. A 3/6 systolic murmur is auscultated in RUSB that decreases with hand grip. EKG shown. • Caused by AD mutation in sarcomere proteins (beta-myosin heavy chain, troponin T) that causes an enlarged, obstructing septum. • Tx with ICD or BB • Look for: LVH, or deep, narrow “dagger- like” Q waves in V5-6, I, aVL and II, III or giant T-wave inversion
  • 61.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation ECG Casesand Syncope: PE • A 24 year old with a history of SLE on OCPs presents with shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, calf swelling and dizziness after a long distance flight. • Look for • an S1Q3T3 pattern • a prominent S wave in lead I • a Q wave and inverted T wave in lead III • Sinus tachycardia • T wave inversion in leads V1 - V3 • Right Bundle Branch Block
  • 62.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation ECG Casesand Syncope: Brugada Syndrome • A 33 year old with sleep apnea comes into the office for a life insurance screening. His father and uncle died suddenly in their 40s. He has pasted out while running but thought nothing of it. EKG shown: • Causes: Genetic defects in cardiac sodium transporters • Treatment: ICD • Look for: Coved ST segment elevation >2mm in >1 of V1-V3 followed by a negative T wave or >2mm of saddleback shaped ST elevation
  • 63.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation ECG Casesand Syncope: ARVC • A 19 soccer player on the Greek national team presents to the team doctor for palpitations ahead of the world cup. He is diagnosed with anxiety. 2 weeks later he synopsizes on the field and EKG is shown. • Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy • Caused by: AD incomplete penetrance in Italian/Greek youth (3:1 men) causing fibro-fatty replacement of the right ventricular myocardium • Look for: epsilon wave- small positive deflection (‘blip’ or ‘wiggle’) buried in the end of the QRS complex in V1-V4. T wave inversion in V1-3 and Prolonged S-wave upstroke in V1-3
  • 64.
  • 65.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 1 •A 23 year old medical student experiences sudden onset palpitations and shortness of breath while studying for final exams. He had stayed up all night and consumed multiple cups of coffee and energy drinks. On presentation to the ED, his EKG is shown below. https://litfl.com/whos-afraid-of-the-big-bad-wolff/
  • 66.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 2 •A 67 year old gentleman with episodic dizziness and shortness of breath is placed on a Holter monitor. On analysis of his read out you see the rhythm shown below.
  • 67.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 3 •A 23 year old medical student from New Jersey has complaints of palpitations and joint pain following a hiking trip. He is unsure if there was a rash or tick bite history.
  • 68.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 4 •A 45 year old with a history of Marfan’s Disease presents with acute chest pain that feels “like a knife” radiating to his back. On exam, he has unequal BP of 154/92 and 132/87 in his arms and pulse of 110. Suddenly, he develops JVD, hypotension and pulsus paradoxus. Heart sounds are distant. The EKG taken at that time shows:
  • 69.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 5 •A 35 year old with atypical depression presents with seizures. His partner found a suicide note and an empty bottle of pills at home.
  • 70.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 6 •A 17 year old basketball player suddenly collapses at a local AAU tournament. EMS arrives and the patient regains consciousness. In the ED the patient is well appearing. A 3/6 systolic murmur is auscultated in RUSB that decreases with hand grip. EKG shown.
  • 71.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 7 •A 78 year old man with metastatic lung and prostate cancer presents to the ED with an altered mental status, oliguria and abdominal pain.. EKG is shown below.
  • 72.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 8 •A 78 year old veteran presents to the hospital for shortness of breath. He has a 60 pack year smoking history and has a history of severe COPD requiring 5L continuous oxygen support. He is on theophylline. Pulse of 129 and irregular. On chest exam, diffuse wheezes are heart in all lung fields with prolonged respirations, a loud P2 and right heart heave.
  • 73.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 9 •A 76 year old with a history of depression and Afib is admitted to an inpatient service for pneumonia. She is treated with azithromycin and levofloxacin and she develops nausea treated with ondansetron. Overnight she develops chest discomfort and an EKG is below.
  • 74.
    Youtube.com/c/DoctorProfessorPatrick ECG Interpretation Case 10Bonus 1000 points • A 19 soccer player on the Greek national team presents to the team doctor for palpitations ahead of the world cup. He is diagnosed with anxiety. 2 weeks later he synopsizes on the field and EKG is shown.