Interpreting ECGs

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Interpreting ECGs

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.

Interpreting the ECG of a patient with a pacemaker

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

Pacemakers leave their signatures on an ECG. Here's how to recognize them.

Atrial flutter

James F. Ginter, MPAS, PA-C, Patrick Loftis, PA-C, MPAS, RN May 13, 2011

In atrial flutter, the contracting atria generate electrical impulses so rapidly that the atrioventricular node cannot repolarize fast enough to handle them.