EKG Axis
-Rate -Rhythm -Axis -Hypertrophy -Intervals -Ischemia, Infarct, Injury
What is Axis?
The quadrant method (AKA thumbs up method) Left thumb is Lead I Right thumb Lead aVF
Two thumbs up: Normal Axis
Right thumb up: Right Axis deviation
Right Axis deviation differential diagnosis Left posterior fascicular block Lateral MI RVH PE COPD Hyperkalemia WPW
Left thumb up: Left Axis deviation (maybe)
Change right thumb from aVF to lead II, if still downgoing then it is true Left Axis
Left Axis Deviation differential diagnosis Left anterior fascicular block Bifascicular block Left bundle branch Block LVH Inferior MI Ventricular ectopy WPW
Why is axis important?
Why is axis important? It may help you differentiate certain rhythms It can help support a diagnosis It is necessary for diagnosis of LAFB, LPFB, bifascicular block and trifascicular block
LAFB
Left anterior fascicular block -Left axis -Small Q wave I and aVL -Small R waves II, III, aVF -Normal QRS duration -Prolonged R wave peak time In aVL
LPFB
Bifascicular Block
Bifascicular block