Now I have everything I need. Here are your ULTIMATE MBBS ECG Notes compiled from Harrison's 22e, Rosen's Emergency Medicine, The Washington Manual, Medical Physiology (Boron & Boulpaep), and Frameworks for Internal Medicine.
ULTIMATE MBBS ECG NOTES
How to Read Any ECG - Complete Guide from Medical Textbooks
PART 1: THE BASICS - What is an ECG?
An ECG provides a direct measurement of the rate, rhythm, and time-dependent electrical vector of the heart. It also reveals the origin and conduction of the cardiac action potential. Because different parts of the heart activate sequentially, changes in the electrical vector can be attributed to specific regions.
- Medical Physiology (Boron & Boulpaep), BOX 21-2
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 22E, Chapter 247
PART 2: THE ECG PAPER & CALIBRATION
Basic ECG waveforms and intervals: P wave (atrial depolarization), QRS complex (ventricular depolarization), ST segment (isoelectric plateau), T wave (ventricular repolarization), U wave. The J point is the junction between the end of QRS and start of ST. - Harrison's 22E, Fig. 247-2
| Parameter | Value |
|---|
| Speed | 25 mm/second |
| Small box (1 mm horizontal) | 0.04 s (40 ms) |
| Large box (5 mm horizontal) | 0.20 s (200 ms) |
| 5 large boxes | 1.0 second |
| Vertical: standard calibration | 1 mV = 10 mm |
PART 3: ECG WAVEFORMS - What Each Represents
| Wave/Segment | Represents | Action Potential Phase |
|---|
| P wave | Atrial depolarization | - |
| PR interval | AV nodal delay | - |
| QRS complex | Ventricular depolarization | Phase 0 (rapid Na+ influx) |
| ST segment | Isoelectric plateau | Phase 2 (plateau) |
| T wave | Ventricular repolarization | Phase 3 (active repolarization) |
| U wave | Late ventricular repolarization (Purkinje) | - |
| J point | Junction of QRS end and ST start | - |
Key Pharmacology: Drugs that decrease slope of Phase 0 by impairing Na+ influx (e.g., flecainide, hyperkalemia) increase QRS duration. Drugs that prolong Phase 2 or 3 (e.g., amiodarone, hypocalcemia) increase QT interval. Hypercalcemia and digoxin shorten QT. - Harrison's 22E
PART 4: NORMAL INTERVALS (MEMORIZE THESE)
| Interval | Normal Range | What it Measures |
|---|
| PR interval | 120-200 ms (3-5 small boxes) | Onset of atrial depolarization to onset of ventricular depolarization (includes AV nodal delay) |
| QRS duration | ≤100-110 ms (<3 small boxes) | Duration of ventricular depolarization |
| QT interval | <460 ms women, <450 ms men | Ventricular depolarization + repolarization |
| QTc (corrected) | Bazett: QTc = QT/√RR | Rate-corrected QT |
Framingham Formula: QT = QT + 0.154 (1000 - RR) in milliseconds - Harrison's 22E
PART 5: HEART RATE CALCULATION
Method 1 (Direct): Rate = 60 / R-R interval in seconds
Method 2 (Quick Rule - 300 Method):
Count large boxes between R waves → Rate = 300 ÷ number of large boxes
| Large boxes between R waves | Heart Rate |
|---|
| 1 | 300 bpm |
| 2 | 150 bpm |
| 3 | 100 bpm |
| 4 | 75 bpm |
| 5 | 60 bpm |
| 6 | 50 bpm |
Mnemonic: 300-150-100-75-60-50
- Medical Physiology, Table 21-6
PART 6: THE 12 LEADS - Placement & Territory
Limb Leads (Frontal Plane)
| Lead | View | Looks at |
|---|
| I | 0° | Lateral wall (LV lateral) |
| II | +60° | Inferior wall |
| III | +120° | Inferior wall |
| aVR | -150° | Right upper cavity (normally negative) |
| aVL | -30° | High lateral wall |
| aVF | +90° | Inferior wall |
Precordial Leads (Horizontal Plane)
| Lead | Position | Territory |
|---|
| V1 | 4th ICS, right sternal border | Septum / RV |
| V2 | 4th ICS, left sternal border | Septum |
| V3 | Between V2 and V4 | Anterior |
| V4 | 5th ICS, midclavicular line | Anterior / Apex |
| V5 | Anterior axillary line | Lateral |
| V6 | Mid-axillary line | Lateral |
Coronary Territory - Which Leads to Infarct Vessel
| Leads with Changes | Territory | Culprit Artery |
|---|
| V1-V4 | Anterior | LAD (Left Anterior Descending) |
| V1-V2 | Septal | Septal branches of LAD |
| V5-V6, I, aVL | Lateral | LCx (Left Circumflex) |
| II, III, aVF | Inferior | RCA (Right Coronary Artery, 80%) or LCx |
| V7-V9 (posterior leads) / reciprocal depression V1-V3 | Posterior | RCA or LCx |
| V4R-V6R (right-sided leads) | Right Ventricle | RCA proximal |
- Harrison's 22E, Ch 247; Rosen's Emergency Medicine, Ch 64
PART 7: QRS AXIS DETERMINATION
Normal axis: -30° to +90°
| Axis | Lead I | aVF | Cause |
|---|
| Normal | Positive | Positive | - |
| Left Axis Deviation (LAD) | Positive | Negative | LAFB, LVH, inferior MI, left bundle branch block |
| Right Axis Deviation (RAD) | Negative | Positive | RVH, RBBB, lateral MI, PE, dextrocardia |
| Extreme RAD ("No Man's Land") | Negative | Negative | Ventricular tachycardia, dextrocardia |
Quick Axis Check:
- If Lead I and aVF are BOTH positive → Normal axis
- Lead I positive, aVF negative → Left axis (check if <-30° = LAD)
- Lead I negative, aVF positive → Right axis deviation
Inspection method (quick): Find the most isoelectric limb lead → the axis is perpendicular to that lead. - Medical Physiology
PART 8: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH - READ EVERY ECG IN ORDER
The RRIPPER Method (or your personal sequence - always be systematic):
- R - Rate (300 ÷ large boxes)
- R - Rhythm (regular or irregular? P before every QRS? QRS after every P?)
- I - Intervals (PR, QRS, QT - normal vs prolonged)
- A - Axis (Lead I + aVF rule)
- P - P waves (present? normal morphology? one per QRS?)
- Q - QRS morphology (width, Q waves, R wave progression, bundle branch blocks)
- S - ST segment + T waves (elevation, depression, inversions, hyperacute T)
- H - Hypertrophy (LVH/RVH criteria)
- E - Extra findings (U waves, delta waves, pacemaker spikes)
PART 9: ISCHEMIA AND INFARCTION
Mechanism of ST Changes (Harrison's 22E)
Acute ischemia lowers resting membrane potential and shortens action potential duration. This creates a voltage gradient between normal and ischemic zones, generating currents of injury seen as ST deviation.
- Transmural (epicardial) ischemia → ST vector shifts outward (epicardial) → ST ELEVATION in overlying leads
- Subendocardial ischemia → ST vector shifts inward (toward cavity) → ST DEPRESSION in overlying leads
STEMI Diagnosis
Criteria for STEMI:
- ST elevation ≥1 mm in ≥2 contiguous limb leads
- ST elevation ≥2 mm in ≥2 contiguous precordial leads (V1-V4)
- OR new LBBB with clinical picture of AMI
Earliest sign: Tall, peaked "hyperacute" T waves (before ST elevation)
Evolution of STEMI:
- Hyperacute T waves (minutes to 1 hour)
- ST elevation (hours)
- T wave inversion (hours to days)
- Pathological Q waves (hours to days, often permanent)
- ST returns to baseline (days to weeks)
ST Elevation Morphology
| Morphology | ST Shape | Likely Cause |
|---|
| STEMI | Flat/convex (tombstone) | AMI |
| Benign early repolarization | Concave (smiley face), J-point notch | Normal variant, young males |
| Pericarditis | Concave, saddle-shaped, diffuse | Pericardial inflammation |
| LV aneurysm | Persistent ST elevation with deep Q waves, no reciprocal changes | Old MI with aneurysm |
Fig. 64.2: ST segment-T wave morphology in STEMI, benign early repolarization (BER), and acute pericarditis. STEMI typically shows flat or convex ST; non-AMI causes (BER, pericarditis) show concavity. - Rosen's Emergency Medicine
Differential Diagnosis of ST Elevation (Rosen's, Table 64.3)
- Acute MI
- Acute pericarditis
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
- LV aneurysm
- Ventricular paced rhythm
- Benign early repolarization
- Normal variant
- Osborn wave of hypothermia
- Hyperkalemia
- Brugada syndrome
- Pulmonary embolism
- Acute cerebral hemorrhage
- Prinzmetal (vasospastic) angina
NSTEMI / Unstable Angina - ECG Changes
- ST depression (horizontal or downsloping is more concerning than upsloping)
- T wave inversions (narrow, symmetrical)
- No ST elevation, no Q waves
T Wave Inversions - Key Patterns
| Pattern | Leads | Significance |
|---|
| Symmetrical deep T inversions | V1-V4 | Anterior ischemia / Wellens syndrome |
| Wellens Syndrome Type I | V2-V3 | Deep symmetrical T wave inversions - critical LAD lesion |
| Wellens Syndrome Type II | V2-V3 | Biphasic T waves - critical LAD lesion |
| Diffuse T inversions | Multiple | PE, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy |
| Inferior T inversions | II, III, aVF | Inferior ischemia |
Wellens syndrome = T wave changes in V2-V3 indicating critical LAD stenosis, may occur pain-free. Natural history: progression to anterior wall STEMI if not treated. - Rosen's Emergency Medicine
Posterior MI (often missed!)
- No direct posterior leads on standard 12-lead
- Look for: Tall R waves + ST depression in V1-V3 (reciprocal changes)
- Do right-sided (V4R) and posterior leads (V7-V9) to confirm
- Always check inferior leads for associated inferior MI
Q Waves - Pathological vs. Normal
Pathological Q waves:
- Width ≥40 ms (1 small box)
- Depth ≥25% of the R wave in the same lead
- Present in leads other than III and aVR
Normal septal Q waves: Small (<40 ms), narrow, seen in I, aVL, V5-V6
PART 10: HEART BLOCKS (AV CONDUCTION DISTURBANCES)
A = First-degree AVB (PR >200ms, no dropped beats); B = Mobitz I second-degree (Wenckebach - group beating, progressively lengthening PR before dropped beat); C = Mobitz II second-degree (fixed PR, sudden dropped beat); D = 2:1 block; E = Third-degree (complete) block with AV dissociation - Washington Manual / Frameworks for Internal Medicine
First-Degree AV Block
- PR interval >200 ms (>1 large box)
- Every P wave is followed by a QRS - no dropped beats
- Benign - only delayed, not actually "blocked"
- Causes: AV nodal disease, digoxin, beta-blockers, inferior MI, enhanced vagal tone (athletes), electrolyte disturbances
- AV node supplied by RCA in 80%, LCx in 10%, both in 10%
- Frameworks for Internal Medicine
Second-Degree AV Block Type I (Mobitz I / Wenckebach)
Classic ECG features:
- Progressive PR prolongation with successive beats
- Each subsequent RR interval gets shorter
- A dropped beat (P wave not followed by QRS)
- "Group beating" pattern - regularly irregular
- Block within the AV node (more proximal) → benign prognosis
- Progression to complete heart block: uncommon
Second-Degree AV Block Type II (Mobitz II)
Classic ECG features:
- PR interval remains constant before and after dropped beat
- Sudden, unexpected dropped beat (P wave without QRS)
- Often associated with bundle branch block
- Block below the AV node (His-Purkinje) → serious!
- High risk of progression to complete heart block → pacemaker usually needed
2:1 AV Block (special case)
- Every other P wave is blocked (2P:1QRS)
- Cannot differentiate Mobitz I from Mobitz II by definition
- Clues for Mobitz I: associated first-degree block, improved conduction with faster heart rate
- Clues for Mobitz II: associated bundle branch block, worsened conduction at faster rates
Third-Degree (Complete) Heart Block
- ALL atrial impulses fail to reach the ventricles
- Complete AV dissociation: P waves and QRS complexes independent, "A rate > V rate"
- P waves march through independently (often faster)
- QRS from junctional escape (narrow, 40-60 bpm) or ventricular escape (wide, 20-40 bpm)
- Medical emergency - may require pacemaker
High-Degree (Advanced) AV Block
-
More than one consecutive P wave blocked (3:1, 4:1, etc.)
-
Some P waves DO conduct (distinguishes from third-degree)
-
Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics; Frameworks for Internal Medicine
PART 11: BUNDLE BRANCH BLOCKS
Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB)
ECG Criteria:
- QRS duration ≥120 ms (≥3 small boxes) - wide QRS
- rSR' pattern ("rabbit ears") in V1/V2 - the hallmark
- Wide, slurred S wave in I, aVL, V5, V6
- T wave inversion in V1-V2 (secondary repolarization change - normal with RBBB)
Causes: RV strain (PE, cor pulmonale), ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, normal variant (isolated RBBB)
Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB)
ECG Criteria:
- QRS duration ≥120 ms - wide QRS
- Broad monophasic R wave in I, aVL, V5, V6 (no septal Q waves)
- No Q waves in V5/V6, I, aVL
- Predominantly negative QRS in V1 (QS or rS)
- ST elevation in V1-V3 and ST depression in V5-V6 (discordant - secondary changes, NORMAL for LBBB)
- T wave opposite polarity to last QRS deflection (T wave discordance)
LBBB and AMI - Sgarbossa Criteria (look for AMI in presence of LBBB or ventricular paced rhythm):
- ST elevation ≥1 mm concordant with QRS (same direction) → Score 5 (most specific)
- ST depression ≥1 mm in V1, V2, or V3 → Score 3
- ST elevation ≥5 mm discordant with QRS (opposite direction) → Score 2
- Total score ≥3 = AMI likely - Rosen's Emergency Medicine
Fascicular Blocks (Hemiblocks)
| Block | QRS Duration | Axis | ECG Pattern |
|---|
| Left Anterior Fascicular Block (LAFB) | Normal (<120 ms) | Left axis deviation (more negative than -45°) | Small Q in I, aVL; Small R in II, III, aVF |
| Left Posterior Fascicular Block (LPFB) | Normal (<120 ms) | Right axis deviation (>+110-120°) | Requires exclusion of other causes of RAD (very rare in isolation) |
| Bifascicular block | Wide | RAD | RBBB + LAFB |
PART 12: ARRHYTHMIAS
Sinus Rhythms
| Rhythm | Rate | P wave | QRS | Notes |
|---|
| Normal Sinus Rhythm | 60-100 bpm | Normal, before each QRS | Narrow (<120 ms) | |
| Sinus Tachycardia | >100 bpm | Normal | Normal | Anxiety, exercise, hyperthyroidism, sepsis |
| Sinus Bradycardia | <60 bpm | Normal | Normal | Athletes, hypothyroidism, sleep, drugs (beta-blockers) |
| Sinus Arrhythmia | Variable | Normal | Normal | HR varies with respiration - normal variant |
Supraventricular Tachycardias (SVT) - Narrow Complex
Atrial Fibrillation (AF):
- Irregularly irregular rhythm (no two RR intervals the same)
- No distinct P waves - replaced by fibrillatory baseline (f waves, >350 deflections/min)
- Narrow QRS (unless aberrant conduction)
- Ventricular rate variable (100-160 bpm if uncontrolled)
- No "a wave" on JVP
Atrial Flutter:
- Regular "sawtooth" flutter waves at ~300 bpm (2.5-3 mm/cycle)
- Usually 2:1 block → ventricular rate ~150 bpm (classic)
- Can have 3:1, 4:1, variable block
- Best seen in inferior leads (II, III, aVF) and V1
AVNRT (AV Nodal Re-entry Tachycardia):
- Most common SVT
- Rate 150-250 bpm, regular
- P waves buried in or just after QRS (retrograde P = "pseudo R' in V1", "pseudo S in inferior leads")
- Narrow QRS
WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White):
- Delta wave (slurred QRS upstroke) - pre-excitation
- Short PR interval (<120 ms)
- Wide QRS (>120 ms)
- Pseudo ST/T changes
- Can degenerate into AF with very rapid conduction
Ventricular Arrhythmias - Wide Complex
Severe anterior wall ischemia showing prominent T-wave inversions V1-V6 - Harrison's 22E, Fig. 247-12
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC):
- Wide QRS (>120 ms), bizarre morphology
- No preceding P wave
- Compensatory pause after PVC
- T wave in opposite direction to QRS (discordant)
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT):
- Rate >100 bpm, wide QRS (>120 ms), regular
- AV dissociation (P waves independent of QRS)
- Fusion beats and capture beats (pathognomonic of VT)
- Cannon a waves on JVP
- RBBB or LBBB morphology
- Axis in "no man's land" (both I and aVF negative)
Distinguishing VT from SVT with aberrancy:
- If in doubt, treat as VT
- AV dissociation = VT
- Concordance (all V1-V6 positive or all negative) = VT
- QRS width >160 ms = VT more likely
- History of structural heart disease = VT more likely
Ventricular Fibrillation (VF):
- Chaotic, irregular waveforms - no recognizable QRS
- No cardiac output - cardiac arrest
- Immediate defibrillation required
Torsades de Pointes:
- Polymorphic VT with QRS complexes that appear to rotate around baseline
- Associated with prolonged QT interval
- Causes: hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, drugs (antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, antibiotics), congenital long QT
PART 13: VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH)
Voltage criteria (any one sufficient):
- Sokolow-Lyon: S in V1 + R in V5 or V6 ≥35 mm
- Cornell: R in aVL + S in V3 ≥28 mm (men) or ≥20 mm (women)
- R in aVL ≥11 mm
- R in V5 or V6 ≥26 mm
Associated findings (increase specificity):
- Left axis deviation
- ST depression + T inversion in I, aVL, V5-V6 ("LV strain" pattern)
- Prolonged QRS (90-110 ms)
- P mitrale (broad, bifid P wave in I, V5 - left atrial enlargement)
Causes: Hypertension (most common), aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RVH)
ECG criteria:
- Right axis deviation (>+110°)
- R:S ratio in V1 >1 (tall R in V1)
- R wave in V1 ≥7 mm
- Persistence of S in V5/V6 (S>R in V5-V6)
- ST depression + T inversion in V1-V3 (RV strain)
Causes: Pulmonary hypertension, cor pulmonale, pulmonic stenosis, ASD, chronic lung disease
PART 14: ELECTROLYTE CHANGES ON ECG
Hyperkalemia (K+ elevated)
Progressive changes with increasing K+:
- Mild (5.5-6.5 mEq/L): Tall, peaked (tented) T waves, narrow base - V2-V4 most prominent
- Moderate (6.5-7.5 mEq/L): PR prolongation, P wave flattening/disappearance, QRS widening
- Severe (>7.5 mEq/L): Very wide QRS (sine wave pattern), AV dissociation
- Critical: VF or asystole
Mnemonic: T-Peak-P-QRS-Sine-VF (tall T → peak T → P loss → QRS widens → sine wave → fatal arrhythmia)
Hypokalemia (K+ low)
- Flat/inverted T waves
- Prominent U waves (may fuse with T wave - "TU fusion")
- ST depression
- Prolonged QU interval (looks like prolonged QT)
- Increased risk of torsades de pointes
Hypercalcemia
- Short QT interval (QTc <350 ms)
- Short ST segment (or absent ST)
- J-wave/Osborn waves in severe cases
Hypocalcemia
- Long QT interval (prolonged QTc)
- Normal T wave amplitude
- Long ST segment
Hypomagnesemia
- Similar to hypokalemia
- Prolonged QT
- Increased risk of torsades de pointes (often coexists with hypokalemia)
PART 15: PERICARDITIS VS. STEMI
| Feature | Pericarditis | STEMI |
|---|
| ST elevation | Diffuse, concave (saddle-shaped) | Focal (territory-based), convex |
| Lead distribution | All leads EXCEPT aVR (depressed) | Contiguous leads in territory |
| Reciprocal changes | Absent (or only aVR) | Present (hallmark of STEMI) |
| PR depression | Yes (characteristic) | No |
| Q waves | No | Yes (develop over hours-days) |
| Evolution | Slow, resolves over weeks | Hours-days (evolving pattern) |
| Symptoms | Pleuritic chest pain, worse lying flat, better sitting forward | Pressure, radiation to arm/jaw |
4 Stages of Pericarditis ECG:
- Diffuse ST elevation, PR depression (acute phase)
- ST normalizes, T waves flatten
- T wave inversions
- ECG returns to normal
PART 16: PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE) on ECG
Most common findings:
- Sinus tachycardia (most common, >40% of cases)
- S1Q3T3 pattern (classic but only ~20% sensitive): S wave in lead I, Q wave in lead III, T inversion in lead III
- Right axis deviation
- RBBB (new)
- T wave inversions in V1-V4 (right heart strain)
- P pulmonale (tall P waves in II >2.5 mm)
Note: The ECG in PE is often non-specific. The main value is excluding other diagnoses (STEMI, arrhythmia) and showing right heart strain pattern.
PART 17: SPECIAL PATTERNS TO KNOW
Brugada Syndrome
- RBBB pattern with ST elevation in V1-V3 (coved or saddle-back morphology)
- Associated with sudden cardiac death in structurally normal heart
- Type 1 (coved): descending ST elevation ≥2 mm followed by T inversion - diagnostic
- Type 2 (saddle-back): ST elevation ≥2 mm, upright T - suspect pattern
Long QT Syndrome
- QTc >460 ms (women) or >450 ms (men)
- Risk of torsades de pointes
- Congenital (LQTS1 - Romano-Ward) or acquired (drugs, electrolytes)
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW)
- Short PR (<120 ms)
- Delta wave (slurred QRS onset)
- Wide QRS
- Secondary ST/T changes
- Risk: AF with rapid conduction via accessory pathway (can be fatal)
Digoxin Effect vs. Digoxin Toxicity
- Effect (therapeutic): Scooped ST depression ("Salvador Dali moustache"), shortened QT, mild PR prolongation
- Toxicity: Any arrhythmia (PAT with block is classic), AV blocks, bidirectional VT
Hypothermia
- Osborn wave (J wave): Positive deflection at J point, best seen in inferior and lateral leads
- Sinus bradycardia
- AF, VF possible
PART 18: LOCALIZATION OF INFARCTION - QUICK REFERENCE
| ST Elevation in | Territory | Artery |
|---|
| V1-V2 | Septal | Septal perforators of LAD |
| V3-V4 | Anterior | LAD |
| V1-V4 | Anteroseptal | LAD (proximal) |
| V5-V6, I, aVL | Lateral | LCx |
| V1-V6 + I + aVL | Extensive anterior | LAD (proximal to major diagonal) |
| II, III, aVF | Inferior | RCA (80%), LCx (20%) |
| II, III, aVF + V1-V2 (ST elev V4R) | Inferior + RV | Proximal RCA |
| Tall R + ST depression V1-V3 | Posterior | RCA or LCx |
Right ventricular MI:
- Occurs with inferior STEMI (proximal RCA occlusion)
- ST elevation in V4R (right-sided lead)
- Clinical: Hypotension + raised JVP + clear lungs (Kussmaul's sign)
- Avoid nitrates and diuretics (preload-dependent)
PART 19: HIGH-YIELD MBBS EXAM SUMMARY
Must-Know Numbers
| Finding | Value |
|---|
| Normal PR | 120-200 ms |
| Normal QRS | <100-110 ms |
| Normal QTc | <450 ms men, <460 ms women |
| STEMI: limb leads | ST elevation ≥1 mm in ≥2 contiguous leads |
| STEMI: precordial | ST elevation ≥2 mm in ≥2 contiguous leads |
| Pathological Q wave | ≥40 ms wide, depth ≥25% of R wave |
| LBBB/RBBB | QRS ≥120 ms |
| First-degree block | PR >200 ms |
| LVH (Sokolow) | SV1 + RV5/V6 ≥35 mm |
| Tall T wave hyperkalemia | Peaked, narrow base |
| WPW | Short PR + delta wave |
Classic Exam Scenarios
| Scenario | Key ECG Finding |
|---|
| Chest pain + ST elevation inferior leads | RCA occlusion (Inferior STEMI) |
| Chest pain + tall R in V1 + ST depression V1-V3 | Posterior MI |
| Shock + inferior MI + high JVP | RV MI (check V4R) |
| Palpitations + regular narrow tachycardia ~150 | Atrial flutter with 2:1 block |
| Irregularly irregular + absent P waves | Atrial fibrillation |
| Wide complex tachycardia + AV dissociation | Ventricular tachycardia |
| Short PR + delta wave + SVT | WPW |
| Progressive PR then dropped beat | Mobitz I (Wenckebach) |
| Fixed PR + sudden dropped beat | Mobitz II |
| Complete AV dissociation | Third-degree (complete) heart block |
| Prolonged QT + polymorphic VT | Torsades de pointes |
| Diffuse ST elevation + PR depression | Pericarditis |
| Peaked T waves + widening QRS | Hyperkalemia |
| Prominent U waves + flat T | Hypokalemia |
| Tall R wave V1-V3 + ST elevation | Brugada syndrome |
| S1Q3T3 + sinus tachycardia | Pulmonary embolism |
| J-wave (Osborn wave) + bradycardia | Hypothermia |
| V2-V3 deep T inversions | Wellens syndrome (critical LAD stenosis) |
| LV aneurysm | Persistent ST elevation + mature Q waves, no reciprocal changes |
SOURCES
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 22nd Edition (2025) - Chapters 247, 248 (Electrocardiography, Arrhythmias)
- Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice - Chapter 64 (Acute Coronary Syndromes ECG)
- The Washington Manual of Medical Therapeutics - Chapter 7 (Arrhythmias)
- Medical Physiology (Boron & Boulpaep) - Chapter 21, Box 21-2 (ECG interpretation)
- Frameworks for Internal Medicine - Chapter 3 (AV Blocks)
---There you go - your complete MBBS ECG notes compiled directly from 5 major medical textbooks (Harrison's 22E, Rosen's Emergency Medicine, Washington Manual, Medical Physiology, and Frameworks for Internal Medicine). Here's what's covered:
19 sections total:
- What is an ECG - basic concept
- Paper & calibration - grid values, speeds
- Waveforms - what P, QRS, ST, T, U mean physiologically
- Normal intervals - PR, QRS, QT with exact values
- Heart rate calculation - the 300-method trick
- 12 leads - placement + coronary territory table
- QRS axis - quick Lead I + aVF method
- Systematic approach - RRIPPER method
- Ischemia & infarction - STEMI, NSTEMI, Wellens, posterior MI, Q waves
- Heart blocks - 1st, 2nd (Mobitz I/II), 3rd degree with images
- Bundle branch blocks - RBBB, LBBB, Sgarbossa criteria, fascicular blocks
- Arrhythmias - AF, flutter, AVNRT, WPW, VT, VF, torsades
- Hypertrophy - LVH (Sokolow-Lyon, Cornell), RVH criteria
- Electrolytes - hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺
- Pericarditis vs STEMI - comparison table
- Pulmonary embolism - S1Q3T3, RV strain
- Special patterns - Brugada, Long QT, WPW, digoxin, hypothermia
- Infarct localization - territory-artery table
- High-yield exam summary - all key numbers + 25 classic exam scenarios