ECG Flashcards Preview

P = the contraction of the atria QRS = the contraction of the ventricles Q if the first deflection is downwards R a deflection is upwards (whether its preceded by a Q or not) S any deflection below base line following an R T = the repolarisation of the ventricles (returning to resting electrical state)

The electrical impulse starts at the SINOATRIAL NODE in the right atrium. It then spreads through the atrium. The impulse is delayed whilst it spreads through the ATRIOVENTRICULAR NODE. From the AV node it is conducted very quickly down the BUNDLE OF HIS, specialised conduction tissue found in the septum. The bundle of his divides into the right and left bundle branches (divides into two). In the muscle the impulse is conducted by PURKINJE FIBRES

Small square = 0.04 Large square = 0.2 seconds therefore 5 large squares = 1sec R-R interval: 1 large square = 300/min 2 large squares = 150/min 3 large squares = 100/min 4 large squares = 75/min 5 large squares = 60/min 6 large squares = 50/min

PR interval is the time for the impulse to go from the SA node, through the atria and the AV node, down the BUNDLE OF HIS and into the ventricles. 0.12 - 0.2 s (3-5 small squares)

QRS is the time it takes for the impulse to spread through the ventricles. <0.12 s (3 small squares) Any abnormal conduction takes longer so the QRS will be widened. If there are normal p waves and PR value but wide QRS there is a bundle branch block. 

Q waves are normal in V5, V6, AVL and I, other places may be pathological due to MI QT - beginning of QRS to end of T wave

* advanced* varies with rate, to calculate corrected QT = QT/ (square root of RR)

I, VL = left lateral surface II III, aVF = inferior aVR = right atrium V1, V2 = right ventricle V3, V4 = septum between ventricles and ant of left ventricle V5, V6 = ant and lateral walls of left ventricle

* upwards waves mean the depolarisation is travelling toward the lead, and downwards away from the lead*

The axis is the average spread of depolarisation through the ventricles as seen from the front. 

Normall axis is 11 o'clock - 5 o'clock - the depolarising lead is spreading towards I, II, and III so they will all be +ve. 

Right ventricle hypertrophy - pulmonary conditions and congenital heart conditions 

Axis moves from 11 o'clock - 5 o'clock to 1 o'clock - 7 o'clock.

I becomes -ve. II remains +ve, III is even more +ve. 

Usually due to conduction defects rather than increased left ventricular bulk. 

The left bundle branch has two fasciles, the anterior and posterior. If the anterior is selectively blocked then left ventricle has to be depolarised purely through the posterior fascicle, moving the axis. 

Bifascicular block also gives left axis deviation with a RBB pattern.

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PR interval >0.2 secs (small squares)

Normal varient, athletes, sick sinus syndrome, IHD, acute carditis, drugs (B blockers, digoxin), electrolyte imbalance

Mobitz type 2: most beats conducted with a constant PR interval but occassionally there is a P with no QRS, an atrial contraction not conducted through to the ventricles. 

Wenkebach: progressive lengthening of the PR interval and then the failure of the conduction of an atrial beat. A conduction beat follows and the patteren repeats.

2:1 block: alternate conducted and non conducted atrial beats. There are twice as many p waves as QRS.

*look out for p waves hiding in t waves!*

There is normal atrial contraction but none of the beats are conducted into the ventricle. The ventricles contract independtly at a much slower rate. 

Can be due to an acute MI, fibrosis of the  AV node and bundle of his, aortic valve calcification, trauma, digoxin toxicity.

NEEDS to be paced. 

Due to no conduction down the RBB. Means there is only conduction of the LBB, so the excitation depolaises the right side of the heart more slowly.  

A second R (+ve) wave is seen the V1 due to the delayed depolarising of the right ventricle. The wave slowly comes towards the right ventricle, so towards V1. Looks like a M.

A deep S (-ve) wave is seen in V6 due to the wave slowly moving from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, away from V6. Looks like a W.

If there is RBB + LAD = bifasciular block 

Septum has to depolarise from right to left (abnormal). 

As the excitation is moving towards the left side the there is a large R (+ve), a small S (-ve) as the right side if depolarised first, and then a large R again when the ventricle is depolaring in V6. Looks like a M.

Always pathological 

SA node: approx 70 bpm

Region around AV node (junctional) or atrial muscle: 50 bpm

Ventricle: 30 bpm 

There can be a rhythm from the ventricles which is higher than the 30bpm, called accelerated idioventricular rhythm. Looks like VT but is slower, is NOT VT until >120

extrasystole = early 

escape beat = late 

Atrial = abnormal p waves (QRS is normal)

Junctional = no p wave or it appears directly before or after the QRS (QRS is normal)

Ventricular = abnormal QRS. usually not important unless occur early in T wave when can induce VF

Saw tooth base line. Atrium contracting at 300 beats per minute, usually with a 2:1 block so the HR is 150. 

Using carotid massage slows down the ventricular response so the saw tooth pattern is easier to see.