Introduction

«/	Basics»

Author(s)	J.S.S.G. de Jong, MD
Moderator	J.S.S.G. de Jong, MD
Supervisor
some notes about authorship

The aim of this course is to enable the student to understand and recognize normal ECGs and interpret abnormalities. The course is divided into two different sections. First the basics will be presented. This is followed by the interpretation of the normal ECG according to the 7+2 step plan:

A short ECG registration of normal heart rhythm (sinus rhythm)

7+2 step plan

Step 1: Rhythm
Step 2: Rate
Step 3: Conduction (PQ,QRS,QT)
Step 4: Heart axis
Step 5: P wave morphology
Step 6: QRS morphology
Step 7: ST morphology
Step 7+1: Compare the current ECG with a previous one
Step 7+2: Conclusion

Note: It is important to realize that not all these steps may be applicable when you encounter ECG abnormalities. If, for example, the rhythm is not sinus in the first step, the algorithm to analyze arrhythmias should be followed. If a Left Bundle Branch Block is present in step 3, ST morphology will be strongly influenced by this defect.

Finally the real world is presented through practice ECGs.

After you have finished the course you are invited to come back to read more about abnormal ECGs in the ECG textbook.