ECG of the Week - 7th May 2012 - Interpretation

This weeks ECG is from a 87 year old female.

Click to enlarge

Rate:

• ~230

Rhythm:

• Regular
• ? p waves visible III ? retrograde

Axis:

• Normal (+60 deg)

Intervals:

• PR - Nil clear p waves
• QRS - Prolonged (160ms)

Interpretation:

• Broad Complex Tachycardia

Differentials:

• Ventricular Tachycardia
• SVT with aberrant conduction - pre-existing or rate related bundle branch block
• SVT with pre-excitation (WPW)

• For more on differentiating VT and SVT see the links below.
• Remember if in doubt treat as VT.

References / Further Reading

Life in the Fast Lane

• VT vs SVT here
• Ventricular Tachycardia here

Textbook

• Chan TC, Brady WJ, Harrigan RA, Ornato JP, Rosen P. ECG in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. Elsevier Mosby 2005.