Chapters Archive – Page 17 of 22

Figure 19. The Cabrera format and inverted aVR.

The Cabrera format of the 12-lead ECG and inverted lead aVR

2016

ECG changes caused by antiarrhythmic drugs, beta blockers & calcium channel blockers

The effect of antiarrhythmic drugs, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers on rhythm, conduction and ECG waveforms Although the purpose of antiarrhythmic drugs is to control…

ECG non-specific nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay

Nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (defect)

Nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay A nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay exists if the ECG displays a widened QRS appearance that is neither a left bundle branch block (LBBB) nor a…

Figure 1. Electrical alternans in patient with cardiac tamponade. The ECG shows varying QRS and T-wave amplitudes.

Eletrical alternans: the ECG in pericardial effusion & cardiac tamponade

Eletrical alternans: an ECG sign of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade The pericardial space (cavity) always contains a small amount of serous fluid which acts as a…

Figure 3. Chest leads of patient with acute pericarditis. Note the ST segment elevations, concave ST segments.

Pericarditis, myocarditis & perimyocarditis: ECG, criteria & treatment

Pericarditis, myocarditis and perimyocarditis: ECG changes and clinical features The pericardium is a double-walled sac in which the heart and the roots of the great vessels…

Figure 1. Early repolarization pattern on ECG. Note the end-QRS notches and slurs, as well as the ST segment elevations.

Early repolarization pattern on ECG (early repolarization syndrome)

The early repolarization pattern and syndrome: from ECG criteria to management Although the early repolarization pattern has been recognized for almost 50 years, it is still…

Figure 1. Echocardiogram showing takotsubo cardiomyopathy in acute phase (A) and resolution phase (B). Note the apical ballooning of the apical portion fo the left ventricle (A).

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome, stress induced cardiomyopathy)

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome, apical ballooning syndrome, stress induced cardiomyopathy) Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (broken heart syndrome) is a rather peculiar and certainly acute condition. Much research has…

Figure 1. Osborn wave (J wave). These waves occur due to hypothermia, hypercalcemia, early repolarization and Brugada syndrome.

ECG J wave syndromes: hypothermia, early repolarization, hypercalcemia & Brugada syndrome

J-wave syndromes: early repolarization pattern, Brugada syndrome, hypercalcemia and hypothermia The J wave – also referred to as Osborn’s wave – is defined as a wave…

Figure 1. The ECG contour of the normal P-wave, P mitrale (left atrial enlargement) and P pulmonale (right atrial enlargement)

Left atrial enlargement (P mitrale) & right atrial enlargement (P pulmonale) on ECG

Atrial enlargement: left atrial enlargement (P mitrale) and right atrial enlargement (P pulmonale) The atria may become dilated and/or hypertrophic during pathological circumstances. As for ventricular…

Figure 2. Two ECGs showing left and right ventricular hypertrophy.

Biventricular hypertrophy ECG and clinical characteristics

Biventricular hypertrophy Simultaneous hypertrophy of the left and right ventricle is rather common. The ECG has low sensitivity with respect to detecting biventricular hypertrophy. This is…