Introduction to 12-Lead ECG Interpretation

Description

You understand the rhythm the patient is displaying on the monitor, but how do you interpret the 12-lead ECG? Is this chest pain significant enough to require thrombolytics or interventional cardiology? What ST segment abnormalities should I be looking for in a 12-lead? What changes occur with electrolyte abnormalities and bundle branch blocks?

This course will explore the beginning concepts of 12-lead ECG interpretation and enhance the learners understanding of this valuable tool. This interactive course includes lecture, group participation, and skill acquisition to facilitate the learning activity. Basic cardiac rhythm knowledge is a prerequisite to this course. Students should bring their own calipers for ECG exercises.

Objectives

Upon completion of Introduction to 12-Lead ECG Interpretation, the participant will:

• Define components which affect cardiac muscle contraction
• Correlate coronary blood flow with the appropriate ECG lead
• Describe cardiac electrical conduction and how the 12-leads interpret its conduction
• Calculate a rate and rhythm on a 12-lead ECG using a systematic method
• Distinguish between left and right bundle branch block patterns on a 12-lead ECG
• Recognize chamber enlargement on a 12-lead ECG
• Classify an axis on a 12-lead ECG
• Identify ECG changes associated with ischemia, injury, and infarction
• Discuss how electrolyte abnormalities and drug toxicities affect the ECG tracing
• Analyze a 12-lead ECG using a consistent identification method
• Complete a post test

Course Outline

• Overview of Cardiac Physiology and Coronary Artery Circulation
• Electrical Conduction and Leads
• Systematic Approach to the 12-Lead
• Rate & Rhythm Calculation
• Bundle Branch Blocks and Chamber Enlargement
• Axis Deviation
• Ischemia, Injury or Infarction: How do you tell?
• Electrolyte Abnormalities and Drug Toxicities
• Pericarditis, Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and Other Ghosts

Total Contact Hours - 7.0