ECG Articles, ECG News & More

Proper Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) Lead Placement

Although electrocardiograms (ECGs/EKGs) are performed routinely, they are not always done correctly and consistently. As such, I wrote this article to explain the proper electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) setup and lead placement. The goal is to help standardize all ECGs. Background For decades, I noticed a significant inconsistency in the way electrocardiograms are performed. I asked nurses, […]

Recognize And Diagnose Heart Attacks (Myocardial Infarctions)

Healthcare providers need to be able to recognize the symptoms, and risk factors of heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) as well as know the ECG criteria and basic treatments. This article reviews the signs and symptoms of myocardial infarctions, elaborates on the risk factors, teaches the ECG criteria of heart attacks and describes basic treatments. […]

Diagnose & Classify Arrhythmias

During my internal medicine residency, one of our cardiologists would constantly pimp us on arrhythmias. We all had to memorize that arrhythmias were “abnormalities of impulse formation and/or conduction.” But, let’s get real – arrhythmias are simply abnormal heartbeats. There are many ways to classify arrhythmias, multiple means for diagnosing arrhythmias and numerous causes of […]

Choosing the correct medical tests and treatment

Patients frequently ask me how I choose their tests and treatment. Tests, I say, confirm or exclude my clinical diagnoses. In addition, the result of a test should alter my decision making process for their care. I only suggest a treatment that will help them live longer, prevent something bad from happening, or make them […]

Cardiac Evaluation Of Your Patient

Cardiac diagnoses are common in the adult general practice setting. Obtaining an accurate cardiac diagnosis relies on three main aspects. These are: 1) a detailed history; 2) a comprehensive cardiac physical examination and; 3) an electrocardiogram. Learn how to perform an expert cardiac evaluation. Detailed Patient History In general, a cardiovascular history looks for four […]

Abnormal ECG During Preoperative Assessment

A routine, preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) is obtained on many patients over a certain age based on hospital and surgicenter protocols. If it is abnormal, then the task of ”cardiac clearance” falls on the cardiologist or primary provider. How does an abnormal ECG effect a patient’s preoperative evaluation? Preoperative Assessment Algorithm The preoperative […]

ECG Findings That Mimic A Myocardial Infarction

The electrocardiogram (ECG) reads, “Acute Myocardial Infarction,” on the 29 year-old athletic man who comes in for a left biceps tendon tear after being in the weight room. “Now what,” thinks the ER doctor? Other electrocardiographic findings may mimic a myocardial infarction. Here I discuss some of them and what to think. ST and T […]

Common, Yet Puzzling ECG findings – What To Do About Them!

You look at an electrocardiogram (ECG) and it says “rSR prime in lead V1 or V2” or “borderline left axis deviation.” What does that mean and what do you do? You’re not alone! Many healthcare professionals encounter common, yet puzzling ECG findings that can be challenging to interpret and manage. In this article, I’ll review […]

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