Introduction to Cardiac Pathology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cardiac pathology and ECG interpretation from the lecture notes.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A recording of the small electric waves generated during heart activity, essential for diagnosing heart conditions.

Normal Sinus Rhythm

A heart rate of 60-100 bpm with a regular rhythm and identical P waves before each QRS complex.

P Wave

Represents atrial depolarization in response to the SA node triggering.

QRS Complex

Represents ventricular depolarization and triggers the main pumping contractions of the heart.

T Wave

Occurs after QRS, indicating ventricular repolarization; should usually be upright.

PR Interval

The time from the beginning of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS complex, normally between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds.

ST Segment

The portion of the ECG from the end of the QRS complex to the beginning of the T wave; deviations can indicate ischemic heart disease.

Axis of ECG

The major direction of overall electrical activity of the heart, determined using leads I and aVF.

SA Node

The dominant pacemaker of the heart that initiates the impulse formation.

Bundle Branches

Pathways that conduct impulses from the AV node to the ventricles.

Ventricular Rate

The frequency of the QRS complexes on an ECG.

Atrial Rate

The frequency of the P waves on an ECG.

ECG Leads

Arrangements of electrodes that provide different views of the heart's electrical activity.

Heart Views

Representations of different walls of the heart assessed through ECG leads.

ECG Interpretation Methods

Includes pattern recognition or analyzing electrical vectors recorded by the ECG.