Q Waves Flashcards
(6 cards)
1
Q
What is a Q wave?
A
A Q wave is a downward deflection on the ECG tracing that appears before the R wave in a QRS complex
2
Q
What does the Q wave represent?
A
The initial negative deflection of the QRS complex -
I.e. early depolarisation is moving AWAY from the lead being viewed
3
Q
When are Q waves NORMAL?
A
- In the left sided leads, representing early left-to-right (I.e. away from) depol of the ventricular septum
- these are SMALL - no bigger than 1mm wide or 2mm deep
4
Q
Which leads are left sided?
A
Lateral leads are left sided:
High lateral limb leads I and aVL
Lateral chest leads V5 and V6
5
Q
Where may other Q waves been seen as a normal variant?
A
Leads III and aVR (inferior)
6
Q
Where are Q waves ALWAYS pathological?
A
Right sided leads: V1 - V3
Electrical activity should be moving left to right, towards R leads
