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What does the vectorcardiogram depict during the cardiac cycle?
What does the vectorcardiogram depict during the cardiac cycle?
What is the mean electrical axis of the ventricles typically measured at?
What is the mean electrical axis of the ventricles typically measured at?
Which event occurs first during ventricular depolarization according to the vectorcardiogram?
Which event occurs first during ventricular depolarization according to the vectorcardiogram?
Which electrocardiographic leads are used to plot the mean electrical axis of the ventricles?
Which electrocardiographic leads are used to plot the mean electrical axis of the ventricles?
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What may happen to the direction of the mean electrical axis during pathological conditions of the heart?
What may happen to the direction of the mean electrical axis during pathological conditions of the heart?
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What is the most likely cause of left axis deviation when the mean electrical axis points to −15 degrees?
What is the most likely cause of left axis deviation when the mean electrical axis points to −15 degrees?
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Which condition is NOT associated with left ventricular hypertrophy leading to left axis deviation?
Which condition is NOT associated with left ventricular hypertrophy leading to left axis deviation?
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How does the position of the heart during deep expiration affect the mean electrical axis?
How does the position of the heart during deep expiration affect the mean electrical axis?
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What change occurs in the mean electrical axis when a tall person stands up?
What change occurs in the mean electrical axis when a tall person stands up?
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Which of the following is a consequence of right ventricular hypertrophy regarding mean electrical axis?
Which of the following is a consequence of right ventricular hypertrophy regarding mean electrical axis?
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Which condition is likely to cause right axis deviation due to hypertrophy of the right ventricle?
Which condition is likely to cause right axis deviation due to hypertrophy of the right ventricle?
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What physiological change can shift the electrical axis to the left during normal condition?
What physiological change can shift the electrical axis to the left during normal condition?
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What characterizes the mean electrical axis during hypertrophy of one ventricle?
What characterizes the mean electrical axis during hypertrophy of one ventricle?
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What does the intersection of the perpendicular lines from the apices of leads I and III represent?
What does the intersection of the perpendicular lines from the apices of leads I and III represent?
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What causes right axis deviation in a patient with congenital pulmonary valve stenosis?
What causes right axis deviation in a patient with congenital pulmonary valve stenosis?
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What is the average potential generated by the ventricles during depolarization represented by?
What is the average potential generated by the ventricles during depolarization represented by?
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In a normal heart, the mean electrical axis of the ventricles typically averages about how many degrees?
In a normal heart, the mean electrical axis of the ventricles typically averages about how many degrees?
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What alteration in the heart's electrical vector is most likely due to greater muscle mass in a hypertrophied ventricle?
What alteration in the heart's electrical vector is most likely due to greater muscle mass in a hypertrophied ventricle?
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What can cause the mean electrical axis to deviate towards the hypertrophied ventricle?
What can cause the mean electrical axis to deviate towards the hypertrophied ventricle?
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Which congenital heart condition can also lead to right axis deviation besides congenital pulmonary valve stenosis?
Which congenital heart condition can also lead to right axis deviation besides congenital pulmonary valve stenosis?
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What is indicated by a prolonged QRS complex in an electrocardiogram?
What is indicated by a prolonged QRS complex in an electrocardiogram?
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How much can the electrical axis vary even in a normal heart?
How much can the electrical axis vary even in a normal heart?
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Which leads are primarily referenced to determine the mean QRS vector?
Which leads are primarily referenced to determine the mean QRS vector?
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What electrical change is associated with left bundle branch block?
What electrical change is associated with left bundle branch block?
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What happens to the depolarization timing between a normal ventricle and a hypertrophied ventricle?
What happens to the depolarization timing between a normal ventricle and a hypertrophied ventricle?
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How does the depolarization wave travel differently in a ventriculary hypertrophied heart?
How does the depolarization wave travel differently in a ventriculary hypertrophied heart?
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What does the direction of the mean vector in the context of depolarization indicate?
What does the direction of the mean vector in the context of depolarization indicate?
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Which of the following factors contributes to the generation of greater electrical potential in a hypertrophied ventricle?
Which of the following factors contributes to the generation of greater electrical potential in a hypertrophied ventricle?
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What effect does ventricular hypertrophy have on the QRS complex?
What effect does ventricular hypertrophy have on the QRS complex?
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What is the primary impact of right ventricular hypertrophy on the electrical axis?
What is the primary impact of right ventricular hypertrophy on the electrical axis?
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What is a common electrocardiographic finding in a patient with right axis deviation?
What is a common electrocardiographic finding in a patient with right axis deviation?
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What is the primary purpose of the mean electrical axis in cardiology?
What is the primary purpose of the mean electrical axis in cardiology?
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Which of the following conditions would NOT cause hypertrophy of the right ventricle?
Which of the following conditions would NOT cause hypertrophy of the right ventricle?
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What is indicated by the QRS vectorcardiogram during ventricular depolarization?
What is indicated by the QRS vectorcardiogram during ventricular depolarization?
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How is the electrical axis of the heart typically estimated?
How is the electrical axis of the heart typically estimated?
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What happens to the net potential in lead III during the QRS complex?
What happens to the net potential in lead III during the QRS complex?
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What does the mean electrical axis represent?
What does the mean electrical axis represent?
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During the calculation of the electrical axis, what is done to a negative recording?
During the calculation of the electrical axis, what is done to a negative recording?
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Which lead is primarily associated with the positive recording in this context?
Which lead is primarily associated with the positive recording in this context?
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What type of figure does the positive ends of the vectors generate?
What type of figure does the positive ends of the vectors generate?
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What occurs at point 5 of the QRS vectorcardiogram?
What occurs at point 5 of the QRS vectorcardiogram?
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Which phenomenon occurs during the ventricular depolarization as seen in the QRS complex?
Which phenomenon occurs during the ventricular depolarization as seen in the QRS complex?
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What can be inferred if the recordings in leads I and III are both negative?
What can be inferred if the recordings in leads I and III are both negative?
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What direction denotes a vector that extends straight downward during impulse transmission in the heart?
What direction denotes a vector that extends straight downward during impulse transmission in the heart?
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What is the average direction of the mean QRS vector in a normal heart?
What is the average direction of the mean QRS vector in a normal heart?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the rotation method for vector direction?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the rotation method for vector direction?
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What happens to the contour of the waves in an electrocardiogram due to abnormalities in impulse transmission?
What happens to the contour of the waves in an electrocardiogram due to abnormalities in impulse transmission?
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How is the direction of a vector described if it extends from the person's left to the right?
How is the direction of a vector described if it extends from the person's left to the right?
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What does the length of vector A represent in the context of cardiac potential?
What does the length of vector A represent in the context of cardiac potential?
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How is the voltage recorded in lead I determined from vector A?
How is the voltage recorded in lead I determined from vector A?
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What is the angle of vector A when the heart is partially depolarized in this context?
What is the angle of vector A when the heart is partially depolarized in this context?
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What must be understood before grasping the concepts in the chapter regarding leads I, II, and III?
What must be understood before grasping the concepts in the chapter regarding leads I, II, and III?
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What role does lead I play in relation to vector A in the described scenario?
What role does lead I play in relation to vector A in the described scenario?
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What do augmented limb leads use for analysis instead of standard bipolar limb lead axes?
What do augmented limb leads use for analysis instead of standard bipolar limb lead axes?
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Which area of the ventricles is depolarized first during the QRS complex?
Which area of the ventricles is depolarized first during the QRS complex?
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How does depolarization spread after initially affecting the left endocardial surface of the septum?
How does depolarization spread after initially affecting the left endocardial surface of the septum?
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What graphical representation is associated with the analysis of potentials in the context of ventricular depolarization?
What graphical representation is associated with the analysis of potentials in the context of ventricular depolarization?
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What is the significance of understanding the projected vector during the analysis of lead axis?
What is the significance of understanding the projected vector during the analysis of lead axis?
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What do the darker shaded portions represent in the graphical depiction of ventricular depolarization?
What do the darker shaded portions represent in the graphical depiction of ventricular depolarization?
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In the context of ventricular depolarization, how is the term 'instantaneous potential' best defined?
In the context of ventricular depolarization, how is the term 'instantaneous potential' best defined?
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Which layer of the ventricles does depolarization first affect?
Which layer of the ventricles does depolarization first affect?
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What occurs after depolarization spreads along the endocardial surfaces of the septum?
What occurs after depolarization spreads along the endocardial surfaces of the septum?
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What technique is utilized for the determination of potentials in augmented limb leads?
What technique is utilized for the determination of potentials in augmented limb leads?
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Vector B has a large length when it is in the negative direction.
Vector B has a large length when it is in the negative direction.
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When the vector in the heart is nearly perpendicular to the axis of the lead, the recorded voltage is very low.
When the vector in the heart is nearly perpendicular to the axis of the lead, the recorded voltage is very low.
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The voltage recorded in lead I at this moment is approximately 0.3 millivolts.
The voltage recorded in lead I at this moment is approximately 0.3 millivolts.
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In lead III, the voltage recorded is approximately equal to that in the heart.
In lead III, the voltage recorded is approximately equal to that in the heart.
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Lead I will record a positive voltage when the heart vector is directed negatively.
Lead I will record a positive voltage when the heart vector is directed negatively.
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The instantaneous mean vector is represented by a long black arrow drawn from the apex toward the base of the ventricles.
The instantaneous mean vector is represented by a long black arrow drawn from the apex toward the base of the ventricles.
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Lead aVF has an axis of about +90 degrees in the context of electrical potential.
Lead aVF has an axis of about +90 degrees in the context of electrical potential.
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The right arm connects to the torso in the still polarized areas.
The right arm connects to the torso in the still polarized areas.
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Lead III has an axis of about +120 degrees.
Lead III has an axis of about +120 degrees.
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The hexagonal reference system shows the directions of the axes of various electrocardiographic leads.
The hexagonal reference system shows the directions of the axes of various electrocardiographic leads.
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The mean electrical axis of the ventricles typically averages about 75 degrees.
The mean electrical axis of the ventricles typically averages about 75 degrees.
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The point of intersection of the perpendicular lines from the apices of leads I and III represents the apex of the mean QRS vector.
The point of intersection of the perpendicular lines from the apices of leads I and III represents the apex of the mean QRS vector.
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Vectors from a hypertrophied ventricle are negatively charged.
Vectors from a hypertrophied ventricle are negatively charged.
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The mean electrical axis can swing from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees in a normal heart.
The mean electrical axis can swing from about 10 degrees to about 90 degrees in a normal heart.
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The length of the mean QRS vector indicates the average potential generated by the ventricles during depolarization.
The length of the mean QRS vector indicates the average potential generated by the ventricles during depolarization.
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The direction of the mean electrical axis always points away from the hypertrophied ventricle.
The direction of the mean electrical axis always points away from the hypertrophied ventricle.
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A prolonged QRS complex is a characteristic finding in cases of ventricular hypertrophy.
A prolonged QRS complex is a characteristic finding in cases of ventricular hypertrophy.
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The mean QRS vector is represented by the point of intersection of lead I and lead III axes.
The mean QRS vector is represented by the point of intersection of lead I and lead III axes.
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The mean electrical axis can indicate abnormal ventricular conditions that cause axis deviation.
The mean electrical axis can indicate abnormal ventricular conditions that cause axis deviation.
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During depolarization, the normal ventricle becomes depolarized after the hypertrophied ventricle.
During depolarization, the normal ventricle becomes depolarized after the hypertrophied ventricle.
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Match the following vector angles with their corresponding degrees:
Match the following vector angles with their corresponding degrees:
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Match the following vectors with their characteristics:
Match the following vectors with their characteristics:
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Match the following electrical potentials with their respective measurements:
Match the following electrical potentials with their respective measurements:
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Match the following types of heart activity with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following types of heart activity with their corresponding descriptions:
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Match the following leads with their respective axis orientations:
Match the following leads with their respective axis orientations:
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Match the following leads with their corresponding type:
Match the following leads with their corresponding type:
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Match the following directions with their related angle:
Match the following directions with their related angle:
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Match the following vector characteristics with their consequences:
Match the following vector characteristics with their consequences:
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Match the following vectors with their respective leads:
Match the following vectors with their respective leads:
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Match the following voltage levels with their descriptions:
Match the following voltage levels with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Anatomical Causes of Normal Variations in Axis Deviation
- Variations in the Purkinje system distribution and the heart muscle itself can influence axis deviation.
Causes of Abnormal Axis Deviation
-
Change in Heart Position:
- Left axis deviation occurs when the heart is angled to the left.
- Examples include deep expiration, lying down, and obesity.
- Right axis deviation happens when the heart is angled to the right.
- Examples include deep inspiration, standing up, and tall, lanky individuals.
-
Hypertrophy of One Ventricle:
- Hypertrophy of the left ventricle leads to left axis deviation.
- The left ventricle pumps blood against elevated systemic arterial pressure, leading to hypertrophy.
- This can be caused by hypertension, aortic valvular stenosis, aortic valvular regurgitation, and certain congenital heart conditions.
- Hypertrophy of the right ventricle results in right axis deviation.
- This can arise from conditions like congenital pulmonary valve stenosis, tetralogy of Fallot, and interventricular septal defect.
Vectorial Analysis of Axis Deviation
-
Left Axis Deviation (Figure 12-12):
- The mean electrical axis points towards -15 degrees.
- Hypertrophy of the left ventricle causes this deviation.
-
Right Axis Deviation (Figure 12-13):
- The mean electrical axis points towards 170 degrees, 111 degrees to the right of the normal.
- This deviation is caused by hypertrophy of the right ventricle.
Determining Electrical Axis from Standard ECGs
- The electrical axis is typically estimated from standard bipolar limb lead ECGs.
- Measure the net potential and polarity of recordings in leads I and III
- Plot the net potential on the axes of the respective leads, with the base at the point of intersection.
- The mean ventricular QRS axis in a normal heart is typically 59 degrees.
- Axis deviation can indicate various pathological conditions.
Vectorcardiogram
- The QRS vectorcardiogram represents the electrical activity during ventricular depolarization.
- It is an elliptical figure generated by the positive ends of the vectors.
- The mean electrical axis of the ventricles is represented by the direction of the mean vector.
- The direction of the mean electrical axis can change significantly in various heart conditions.
Direction of Vector
- A vector is measured in degrees from 0° to 360° or 0° to -180°
- 0° represents a horizontal vector pointing to the person's left
- 90° is a vector pointing straight downward
- 180° is a vector pointing to the person's right
- -90° or 270° is a vector pointing straight upward
- The average QRS vector, which represents the direction of the depolarization wave through the ventricles, is approximately +59 degrees
Vectorial Analysis of Potentials
- The length of a vector represents the voltage
- The direction of a vector represents the direction of electrical flow
- To determine how much voltage is recorded in a specific lead, draw a perpendicular line from the tip of the vector to the axis of the lead
- The length of this perpendicular line represents the projected vector and represents the voltage recorded in that lead
Vectors during Ventricular Depolarization
- The QRS complex represents the depolarization of the ventricles
- The first part of the ventricles to become depolarized is the septum
- Then, the endocardial surfaces of both ventricles become depolarized
- These stages of depolarization are represented by changes in vector length and direction
QRS Complex in Myocardial Infarction
- An infarction (loss of muscle) can alter the shape of the QRS complex
- A Q wave, which is a downward deflection at the beginning of the QRS complex, can indicate an infarction
- The location of the infarction can be determined by the leads that show a Q wave
- For example, a Q wave in leads I, aVL, and V4-6 indicates an anterior wall infarction
- A Q wave in lead III, aVF, and V1-3 indicates a posterior wall infarction
Current of Injury in Angina Pectoris
- Angina pectoris is chest pain caused by ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the heart
- Ischemia can cause changes in the ECG, similar to those seen in myocardial infarction, but less severe
Lead Axis and Vector
- The direction of current flow in a lead is represented by its axis.
- Each lead has a specific axis:
- Lead I: +60 degrees
- Lead III: +120 degrees
- Lead aVR: +210 degrees
- Lead aVF: +90 degrees
- Lead aVL: -30 degrees
- The mean QRS vector represents the average electrical potential generated by the ventricles during depolarization.
- The axis of the mean QRS vector in a normal heart is approximately +59 degrees.
Abnormal Ventricular Conditions and Axis Deviation
-
Left Bundle Branch Block:
- Depolarization spreads rapidly through the right ventricle, leaving the left ventricle polarized.
- This generates a strong vector from the right ventricle towards the left ventricle.
- Results in intense "left axis deviation" of about -50 degrees.
-
Right Bundle Branch Block:
- Depolarization spreads rapidly through the left ventricle, leaving the right ventricle polarized.
- This generates a strong vector from the left ventricle towards the right ventricle.
- Results in intense "right axis deviation" of about +105 degrees.
QRS Voltage Abnormalities
-
Increased Voltage in Standard Bipolar Limb Leads:
- Normally, voltage in leads I, II, and III varies between 0.5 and 2.0 millivolts.
- Increased voltage can indicate hypertrophy, where the heart muscle is thicker than normal.
-
Decreased Voltage in Standard Bipolar Limb Leads:
- Can indicate loss of muscle mass, such as from myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Myocardial Infarction and QRS Complex Changes
-
Anterior Wall Infarction:
- Results in a prominent Q wave in leads V1-V4 and a current of injury (ST elevation) in these leads.
-
Posterior Wall Infarction:
- Results in a Q wave in lead III and a current of injury in leads II and III.
-
Infarction in other areas can also produce distinctive QRS patterns and voltage changes.
Other Conditions Affecting the ECG
-
Angina Pectoris:
- Caused by moderate ischemia (lack of blood flow) to the heart.
- Can cause ST-segment depression or T-wave inversions on the ECG.
Vectorial Analysis of Potentials
- The direction of the vector, shown in Figure 12-4, represents the instantaneous mean direction of current flow in the ventricles - in this case, it is +55 degrees, with the voltage 2 millivolts, representing the length of vector A.
- To determine the voltage recorded in lead I, a line perpendicular to the axis of lead I is drawn from the tip of vector A.
- The projected vector (B) is drawn along the lead I axis, indicating that the recording in lead I will be negative (below the zero line), with a voltage of −0.3 millivolts - a small voltage since the vector in the heart is almost perpendicular to the axis of the lead.
- When the heart vector has almost exactly the same axis as the lead axis, essentially the entire voltage of the vector will be recorded.
- The voltage recorded in lead III (vector D) is about one-third that of the heart.
Injury Potential
- Extreme ischemia of the cardiac muscle occurs after coronary occlusion.
- Injury potential flows from the infarcted area of the ventricles during the T-P interval between heartbeats.
- The injury potential in lead V2 in Figure 12-19 is intense and indicates an acute anterior wall infarction.
- In Figure 12-20, the major diagnostic feature of a posterior wall infarction is the positive potential of the current of injury during the T-P interval in chest lead V2.
- The injury potential is negative in leads II and III - the resultant vector of the injury potential is about −95 degrees, with the negative end pointing downward and the positive end pointing upward.
- The injury potential diminishes considerably after 1 week of infarction and is gone after 3 weeks, but the ECG can still change during the next year.
- The existence of injury potential in some patients with myocardial infarction can indicate that the infarcted area never redevelops adequate coronary blood supply.
- Bouts of exercise can over-load the heart and create an injury potential.
Q Waves and Myocardial Infarction
- Q waves developing at the beginning of the QRS complex in lead I can signal an anterior infarction.
- Q waves on an ECG represent old myocardial infarction, often occurring 1 year after the acute heart attack.
- In patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction, collateral coronary blood flow can develop enough to re-establish appropriate nutrition to most of the infarcted area.
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Description
This quiz explores the anatomical causes of normal and abnormal axis deviations in heart positioning. It covers variations in the Purkinje system, the impact of ventricle hypertrophy, and how various physical conditions affect heart orientation. Test your knowledge on these critical cardiac concepts!