ECG Interpretation: The Basics

Overview

• Lecture Series: Part one of a 5-part series on ECG/EKG interpretation.
• Instructors: Dr. Theo Sklavos and A/Prof William Wang.
• Target Audience: Medical/nursing/paramedicine students and junior trainees. Also useful as a refresher for those with prior experience.
• Publication Date: April 16, 2020.

Key Topics Discussed

The Basics of ECG

• Components of the ECG:
  • Rate
  • Rhythm
  • Axis
  • P wave
  • PR interval
  • QRS complex
  • ST-segment
  • T wave
  • QT interval
• Normal ECG Features: Identification and description of what constitutes a normal ECG.

Related Lectures in the Series

1. The Basics
2. Myocardial Ischemia and Infarction
3. Conduction Disease
4. Tachyarrhythmia
5. Other Cardiac Conditions

References and Further Reading

• ECG Components and Interpretation:
  • ECG Rate
  • Rhythm Evaluation
  • Axis Calculation
  • Lead Positioning
  • V1 / V2 Misplacement
  • P Wave
  • PR Interval
  • PR Segment
  • Q Wave
  • QRS Complex
  • QT Interval
  • R Wave
  • ST Segment
  • T Wave
  • U Wave
• ECG Resources/References: Complete ECG Library

About the Instructor

• Theo Sklavos:
  • Doctor at Cairns Base Hospital
  • ECG enthusiast and aspiring cardiologist
  • Enjoys SCUBA diving and teaching dive physiology to medical students.