ECG Interpretation : How to Read Electrocardiogram

ECG interpretation, using a step-by-step process, ensures we always provide the best patient care. Since no two emergency scenes or patients are the same, it’s imperative to be methodical about the elements of the call that we can control.

ECG tracings — the diagnostic tool that analyzes the electrical function of the heart and measure voltage (vertical measurement) versus time (horizontal measurement) — can be confusing, so here are the ten steps I follow on every ECG (or EKG) to ensure I correctly identify the rhythm.

Even though there continues to be new technologies developed for the diagnostic evaluation of patients with cardiovascular disease, the electrocardiogram (ECG) retains its central role. The ECG is the most important test for interpretation of the cardiac rhythm, conduction system abnormalities, and the detection of myocardial ischemia. The ECG is also of great value in the evaluation of other types of cardiac abnormalities including valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, and hypertensive disease. Finally, the ECG can be used to monitor drug treatment (specifically antiarrhythmic therapy) and to detect metabolic disturbances.

ECG tutorial: Basic principles of ECG analysis

A systematic approach to interpretation of the ECG is imperative in order to avoid overlooking any abnormalities. Pattern recognition is helpful, but it is important to review all aspects of the ECG to not miss something. This topic review provides the framework for a systematic analysis of the ECG.

455 full size, real life ECG strips

Strips presented three ways: identified by type of problem, randomized, and embedded in case studies

Arrhythmia chapters each include practice strips to analyze rhythm, rate, interval, interpretation, etc.

Full color illustrations offer a quick review of cardiac anatomy and physiology

Clinical Tips and Hints dispersed throughout provide valuable information on rhythm interpretation and how an arrhythmia can affect a patient.

Includes a chapter on myocardial infarction and 12-lead ECG

Four 75-strip practice tests

Appendices include guidelines for CPR, ACLS, and emergency medical skills and medications

Designed to also be useful for recertification review

The purpose of this guide is to teach you to spot and accurately interpret the abnormalities that can occur on the EKG. By the end of the guide, you will be able to confidently navigate and interpret the complex road map of electrical activity and quickly evaluate all the main pointers correctly. This will put you on a steady path to being able to recognize abnormalities early and provide the best care for your patients!

EKG: EKG Interpretation Made Easy: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide to 12-Lead EKG/ECG Interpretation & Arrhythmias

Covered in the ‘Interpretation Made Easy’ guide are the following areas:

- EKG Basics

- Understanding the Intervals

- The 12-Lead EKG

- Calculating the Heart Rate

- Evaluating the Rhythm

- Sinus Arrhythmias

- Atrial Arrhythmias

- Ventricular Arrhythmias

- Determining the Axis

- Heart Block

- Sinus Block

- AV Block

- Bundle Branch Block

- Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction

- And Much More!

This is all presented with clear explanations, photos, and diagrams