ECG Basics: Intervals and Common Rhythms

ECG paper timing, intervals, axis sketch, and recognition of AF, flutter, VT, and STEMI territory ideas.

12 cards· by GuruOwl

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  1. 01
    On standard ECG paper, what does one small box represent (time)?
    0.04 s (40 ms) at 25 mm/s paper speed.
    basics
  2. 02
    Normal PR interval range?
    ≈ 120–200 ms (3–5 small boxes).
    intervals
  3. 03
    Normal QRS duration?
    ≤ 120 ms (≤ 3 small boxes). Wider suggests ventricular conduction delay or ventricular origin.
    intervals
  4. 04
    How is QTc roughly assessed clinically (Bazett idea)?
    QT corrected for rate: QTc ≈ QT / √RR; prolonged QTc increases torsades risk.
    intervals
  5. 05
    ECG features of atrial fibrillation?
    Irregularly irregular rhythm, no discrete P waves, fibrillatory baseline; narrow QRS unless aberrancy/BBB.
    rhythms
  6. 06
    ECG features of atrial flutter (typical)?
    Sawtooth flutter waves (often inferior leads), atrial rate ~300, ventricular conduction often 2:1 (~150 bpm).
    rhythms
  7. 07
    First-degree AV block definition?
    PR > 200 ms with every P followed by a QRS (1:1 conduction).
    av-block
  8. 08
    Mobitz I (Wenckebach) vs Mobitz II second-degree AV block?
    Mobitz I: progressive PR lengthening then dropped QRS. Mobitz II: constant PR with sudden dropped QRS (more dangerous, infranodal).
    av-block
  9. 09
    Complete (third-degree) heart block hallmark?
    AV dissociation: P waves and QRS independent; escape rhythm may be narrow or wide.
    av-block
  10. 10
    STEMI territory: ST elevation in V1–V4 suggests which vessel/wall?
    Anterior wall — typically LAD.
    stemi
  11. 11
    STEMI territory: ST elevation in II, III, aVF suggests which wall?
    Inferior wall — often RCA (sometimes LCx).
    stemi
  12. 12
    Wide-complex tachycardia — default assumption until proven otherwise?
    Treat as ventricular tachycardia, especially with structural heart disease.
    rhythms