Rotation Information |
Administration |
Rotation Information |
Administration |
This page attempts to pull together multiple resources that exist on the web for learning the basics in EKG interpretation. As you read this page, you will access different websites to review components important in developing competency in EKG reading.
We all come to residency with varying confidence in our ability to interpret EKGs. The goal here is to provide all of us a sound basis in EKG reading and a resource for reviewing and fine-tuning our skills.
Many frogs were sacrificed in the journey of developing the surface electrocardiogram. An excellent timeline with many fascinating tidbits is worth your review. For example – have you ever wondered why the QRS complex isn’t the ABC complex? Or the XYZ complex? Check out the history of EKGs around 1895.
Although the modern day EKG was built on a foundation of many inquisitive minds, Willem Einthoven, a Dutch physicist, was the most prominent scientist in bringing the EKG to use in clinical medicine around the turn of the 20th century. “Einthoven’s Triangle” is shown below:
You may have been taught different methods for interpreting EKGs in medical school, clinical rotations, and residency. Whatever your method, stick to it – the key to EKG interpretation is to be consistent and not draw hasty conclusions based on the most striking finding on the EKG.
The following two websites will walk you through the basics of EKG interpretation. They employ two different methods.
The first, EKG Web Brain from the University of Florida Family Practice Residency, uses a method looking at Rate, Rhythm, Intervals, Axis, Hypertrophy, and Infarct patterns.
The second, the ECG Learning Center from the University of Utah, outlines a more comprehensive approach: Measurements (heart rate, intervals, axis determination); Rhythm; Conduction (SA block, AV block, intraventricular blocks); Waveform analysis (P waves, QRS complexes, ST segments, Q waves, U waves); EKG interpretation; Comparison to Previous EKG.
Check them out – one of these sites would likely suffice for a basic review of EKG interpretation. The ECG Learning Center has a quiz module at the end of each session which is useful.
EKG interpretation is like much of medicine – the more you know, the more you see; and vice versa. The following websites give you an opportunity to practice your interpretation skills – make time and commit yourself to this practice.
Harvard - Beth Israel ECG Wave-Maven
Bundle Branch Blocks & Chamber Enlargement Handout
Contributed by Amy K. Madden, MD / March, 2008