ECG Interpretation for Medical Professionals

Medical Professional - Clinical

Learn how to prepare for, record, and interpret a 12-lead ECG.

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a method to graphically display the electric current generated by the heart muscle during a heartbeat. This SIMTICS module teaches you how to prepare for, record, and interpret a 12-lead ECG. Including both Learn and Test modes, the online simulator offers a scenario that tests your ability to interpret a 12-lead ECG. Practice the steps of the procedure as often as you want until you are confident.

You’ll learn

to practice, perfect, and test your skills in setting up, recording, and interpreting a 12-lead ECG
to better visualize and understand the anatomy and physiology of the heart, with our 3D model and illustrations
how to determine the heart rate and identify different heart rhythms on the ECG strip: atrial, junctional, ventricular, and pacemaker rhythms, and AV blocks
about stress testing and Holter monitoring
much more (see Content Details for specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Record the ECG

Step 1.1 - Annotate the presence of symptoms on the ECG tracing

Step 2 - Analyze the rhythm strip (2 lead)

Step 2.1 - Assess the rate

Step 2.1.1 - The 6-second ECG count

Step 2.1.2 - Count large squares

Step 2.1.3 - Count small squares

Step 2.1.4 - Sequence method

Step 2.2 - Assess the rhythm

Step 2.2.1 - Ventricular rhythm

Step 2.2.2 - Atrial rhythm

Step 2.2.3 - Regularity

Step 2.3 - Identify and assess the P wave

Step 2.4 - Assess the intervals (conduction)

Step 2.4.1 - PR interval

Step 2.4.2 - QRS duration

Step 2.4.3 - QT interval

Step 2.5 - Evaluate overall appearance

Step 3 - Sinus rhythms

Step 3.1 - Features of sinus rhythms

Step 3.2 - Sinus bradycardia

Step 3.3 - Sinus tachycardia

Step 3.4 - Sinus arrhythmia

Step 3.5 - Sinoatrial block

Step 3.6 - Sinus arrest

Step 4 - Atrial arrhythmia

Step 4.1 - Premature atrial complexes (PACs)

Step 4.2 - Wandering atrial pacemaker

Step 4.3 - Multifocal atrial tachycardia

Step 4.4 - Supraventricular tachycardia

Step 4.4.1 - Atrial tachycardia

Step 4.4.2 - AVNRT

Step 4.4.3 - AVRT

Step 4.5 - Atrial flutter

Step 4.6 - Atrial fibrillation

Step 5 - Junctional arrhythmia

Step 5.1 - Premature junctional complexes (PJCs)

Step 5.2 - Junctional escape beats/rhythm

Step 5.3 - Accelerated junctional rhythm

Step 5.4 - Junctional tachycardia

Step 6 - Ventricular arrhythmia

Step 6.1 - Premature ventricular complexes

Step 6.1.1 - Types of PVC

Step 6.2 - Ventricular escape beats

Step 6.3 - Idioventricular rhythm

Step 6.4 - Accelerated idioventricular rhythm (AIVR)

Step 6.5 - Ventricular tachycardia (VT)

Step 6.5.1 - Types of VT

Step 6.6 - Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

Step 6.7 - Asystole

Step 6.8 - Pulseless electrical activity

Step 7 - AV blocks

Step 7.1 - First-degree AV block

Step 7.2 - Second-degree AV block

Step 7.2.1 - Second-degree AV block type I (Wenckebach, or Mobitz type I)

Step 7.2.2 - Second-degree AV block type II (Mobitz type II)

Step 7.2.3 - Second-degree AV block, 2:1 conduction (2:1 AV block)

Step 7.3 - Third-degree/complete AV block

Step 8 - Pacemaker rhythms

Step 8.1 - Pacemaker terminology

Step 8.2 - Pacemaker systems

Step 8.2.1 - Single-chamber pacemakers

Step 8.2.2 - Dual-chamber pacemakers

Step 8.2.3 - Transcutaneous pacing

Step 8.3 - Pacemaker malfunction and complications

Step 8.4 - Analyzing pacemaker function with an ECG

Step 9 - Interpret the 12-lead ECG

Step 9.1 - Normal 12-lead ECG

Step 9.1.1 - Leads

Step 9.1.2 - Layout of the 12-lead ECG

Step 9.2 - Axis

Step 9.2.1 - Vectors

Step 9.2.2 - Einthoven's triangle/Hexaxial reference system

Step 9.2.3 - Two-lead method of axis determination

Step 9.3 - Myocardial ischemia

Step 9.3.1 - ST segment changes

Step 9.3.2 - T wave changes

Step 9.4 - Myocardial infarction

Step 9.4.1 - ST changes

Step 9.4.2 - T wave changes

Step 9.4.3 - Q waves

Step 9.5 - Pericarditis

Step 9.6 - Pericardial effusion

Step 9.7 - Electrolyte imbalance

Step 9.7.1 - Imbalance of sodium ions

Step 9.7.2 - Imbalance of calcium ions

Step 9.7.3 - Imbalance of magnesium ions

Step 9.7.4 - Imbalance of potassium ions

Step 9.8 - Conduction abnormalities

Step 9.8.1 - Right bundle branch block

Step 9.8.2 - Left bundle branch block

Step 9.9 - Analyzing an ECG

Step 9.9.1 - Systematic method

Step 10 - Stress testing and Holter monitoring

Describe the anatomy and physiology of the heart
Identify the basic electrophysiology of the heart
Describe the sinus mechanisms
Describe atrial rhythms
Describe junctional rhythms
Describe ventricular rhythms
Describe atrioventricular (AV) blocks
Describe pacemaker rhythms
Explain and demonstrate the 12-lead ECG
Describe stress testing and Holter monitoring

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long