Interpreting ECGs

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Interpreting ECGs

Pericarditis

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN April 23, 2012

In this month's Interpreting ECGs, the authors discuss the changes on ECG when inflammation of the pericardial sac occurs.

ECG changes from medications

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN March 12, 2012

The use of various medications can cause characteristic changes on ECG. This month, the authors describe how to recognize several of these findings.

Hypothermia

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN February 15, 2012

This month, the authors review the ECG changes characteristic of hypothermia.

Myocardial infarction on ECG

Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN, James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C January 16, 2012

In this installment, the authors discuss how to interpret and diagnose myocardial infarction (MI) on an ECG.

Myocardial ischemia

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN December 14, 2011

When there is not a sufficient oxygen supply to meet the body's demand, myocardial ischemia occurs. Abnormalities in the ST segment are diagnostic of this condition.

Electrolyte abnormalities on ECG

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN November 16, 2011

The authors review the characteristic changes that hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, and other serum electrolyte abnormalities can cause on an ECG.

Ventricular fibrillation

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN October 14, 2011

An unsteady baseline and a very irregular QRS segment are highly indicative of ventricular fibrillation.

Ventricular tachycardias

Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN, James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C September 14, 2011

Whether patients have symptoms depends on how well the tachycardia is perfusing vital organs.

Atrial tachycardia

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN August 12, 2011

In a patient with a rapid heart rate, measuring the width of the QRS complex can provide an important diagnostic clue.

Preexcitation syndromes

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN July 12, 2011

Accessory pathways in the heart that allow electrical impulses to go around the atrioventricular node can result in atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias.