Yeah, the patient is a middle-aged African male. His BP is very low. Can you just read the ECG and comment on it?
| Concern | Action |
|---|---|
| Right Ventricular Infarction | Obtain right-sided ECG (V3R-V4R) - ST elevation in V4R is diagnostic. Do NOT give nitrates - they will cause catastrophic BP drop |
| Posterior MI | Check V7-V9 or look for dominant R + ST depression in V1-V2 |
| Cardiogenic shock | Assess JVP, lung fields, urine output |
| Inferior STEMI | Repeat ECG in 15-30 min if clinically worsening |
Abnormal ECG. Sinus tachycardia at 100 bpm. Left axis deviation (-42°, consistent with LAFB). Inferior infarct pattern of undetermined age (Q waves in II/III/aVF) - cannot exclude acute inferior/RV MI in this hypotensive patient. Urgent right-sided leads and clinical reassessment required.
Can you help me with the ECG findings
| Finding | Leads | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Pathological Q waves | II, III, aVF | Prior inferior MI |
| ST elevation | V3-V4 (possibly V2-V5) | Possible acute anterior STEMI |
| Left axis deviation | I, II, aVF | LAFB or prior inferior MI |
| Poor R-wave progression | V1-V3 | Anterior wall loss / prior anterior MI |
| Broad/fragmented QRS | V3-V6 | Conduction abnormality / scar |
This ECG shows evidence of a COMBINED inferior and anterior infarct pattern.The Q waves in inferior leads with ST changes in V3-V5 raises serious concern for:
- Acute anteroseptal STEMI (if these ST changes are new) - this is a medical emergency
- Old anterior + old inferior MI with residual ST changes (LV aneurysm pattern if ST elevation is chronic and concave/domed)
- Extensive anterior MI with new or evolving changes