MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'ekg'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:01:48 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169547&cid=t_112903_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-importance-of-physicals-for-young-athletes%2F2011.08.27 Increasing numbers of young people participate in outdoor activities, including strenuous competitive athletics. In so doing, they subject their bodies to stresses that are more intense and prolonged than those presented by a largely sedentary life. Every story of a sudden death in a young person is a tragedy, and usually accompanied by commentary pondering the role and utility of pre-activity screening. Could the death have been prevented? What was the physiological condition of the deceased? Could the collapse, often attributed to a heart problem, have been predicted? Was there an examination or evaluation that might have indicated that the deceased was at greater risk, or should have been held out of the activity? These are all important questions, with no simple answers. Sudden collaps... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169547 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5169547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952848&cid=t_112903_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-a-routine-case-in-the-ep-lab-goes-awry%2F2011.06.20 Easy case. Seen it a hundred times. Old guy (or gal). Comes into ER. Found “down.” “Hey doc, looks like his hearts goin’ slow. I think he (or she) needs a pacer.” “On any meds that might do this?” “Nah.” “How’s his (her) potassium?” “4.3, normal.” And like lots of times, you head in. Glad you can help. Call-team’s on their way, thanks to you. Called the device rep to make sure they can be there just in case, too. Cool as a cucumber. Nothin’ to it. Been here, done this. You arrive to a guy (or gal) that looks pretty good. Maybe has one or two medical problems. Heart rate’s better thanks to the atropine and the fluids they gave him (her) on arrival. The intraosseus line in the tibia is impre... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952848 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4952848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580905&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fb_8uqx_i6EA%2F The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580905 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 02:19:27 +0100 4580905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554609&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FeWTlFe6DJbs%2F The LITFL Review is your regular and reliable source for the highest highlights, sneakiest sneak peaks and loudest shout-outs from the webbed world of emergency medicine and critical care. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554609 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:51:10 +0100 4554609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382767&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Fl9KNwZkmmIA%2F Among Scott Weingart’s ED Critical Care Dirty Dozen for 2010 was Dr Smith’s ECG blog. The LITFL team thought it was about team we gave this great blog a shout out too. Dr. Stephen Smith is a faculty emergency physician at Hennepin County Medical Center and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382767 Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:30 +0100 4382767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331094&cid=t_112903_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D142 There is great news for cardiology: the reimbursement level for Myeloperoxidase will more than double for FY 2011. Myeloperoxidase is a protein biomarker found in the blood and is more commonly referred to as MPO.  First studied in 2003, it is an early predictor for chest pain patients who are at risk of a heart attack.  Each year, over 5 million patients seek treatment for chest pain in an ER and encounter a long list of possible chest pain causes; some causes can be ruled out with basic tests.  EKGs have been an excellent test for heart problems, but in more recent years, MPO has proven very effective as an early indicator.  When discovered early, physicians can prescribe preventative treatment before damage can occur.  However, reimbursement, in most cases was below the cost of the... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331094 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:24:35 +0100 4331094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245310&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FiEWyIYEbmWY%2F The most important distinction is whether the rhythm is ventricular (VT) or supraventricular (SVT with aberrancy), as this will significantly influence how you manage the patient. SVTs usually respond well to AV-nodal blocking drugs, whereas patients with VT may suffer precipitous haemodynamic deterioration if erroneously administered an AV-nodal blocking agent. (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245310 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 04:09:30 +0100 4245310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4172165&cid=t_112903_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D91 EKGs have been a mainstay for assessing a fetus’ health since the early 1900s.  But, due to interference from the maternal EKG signal, physicians are not able to get a true waveform, which is critical in diagnosing arrhythmia or elevated ST segment in a fetus.  According to Dr. Nina Gotteiner, MD, pediatric cardiologist, associate professor of pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, “If we can identify a fetal arrhythmia, it is very treatable and we can affect the outcome.” Currently, fetal EKGs are acquired through a scalp electrode, which limits the technology’s ability to acquire the data in a non-labor setting.  However, evolving noninvasive fetal EKG technology is designed to accurately separate fetal and maternal EKG signals.  Depe... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4172165 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:42:00 +0100 4172165 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4133718&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2Ft1MpNMhgMOg%2F A 61 year old male walks up to the triage desk complaining of a funny feeling in his chest. He has had similar milder episodes in the past and has been investigated by his GP with no firm diagnosis being reached. He’s moved to Resus as he’s a bit pale and sweaty. His ECG is [...] (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4133718 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 08:26:27 +0100 4133718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060597&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2F6dkv_dxNxu0%2F An 18-year old male is brought to ED by ambulance following a generalised seizure at home. He has a further witnessed seizure en route in the ambulance. By the time of arrival to ED he is comatose with a GCS of 3 and poor respiratory effort. Pupils are symmetrically dilated. Blood sugar is normal. BP is 70/40. Can you interpret his ECG and save his life? (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060597 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 04:41:41 +0100 4060597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003260&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FjKy0g36IhNs%2F Can you correctly interpret the ECG findings in a marathon runner with gastroenteritis? What is their significance? What management is required? (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003260 Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:31 +0100 4003260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965429&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38129&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Flifeinthefastlane%2FWZHV%2F%7E3%2FDkEfOHdQF4I%2F This week's ECG Exigency serves up 5 different risky rhythm strips. Each tells a story. Can you work out what is happening before its too late? What would you do to save the day? (Source: Life in the Fast Lane) Life in the Fast Lane blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965429 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:32 +0100 3965429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761430&cid=t_112903_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fif-doctors-billed-like-lawyers%2F2010.07.16 From a discussion thread on Medscape (registration required) posted in response to comments on my earlier post entitled “If Lawyers Billed Like Doctors:” Mr. Clark, it appears quite likely you are having a heart attack and will require my services. I will need a retainer of $1,500 via either cash or cashier’s check. This does not cover any treatment, but merely retains me as your physician. Then you will need to deposit $5,000 into an escrow account. I will bill this account for services rendered. My charges are $400 an hour and I bill in 15-minute increments. Which means if it takes me 5 minutes to review your EKG, I still bill for 15 minutes. When the escrow account reaches $1,000 you will need to deposit an additional $4,000 into the account or I will cease to be your ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761430 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0100 3761430 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3567923&cid=t_112903_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fwho-needs-calipers.html ... when you have an iPhone:-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3567923 Sun, 16 May 2010 11:21:00 +0100 3567923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3511622&cid=t_112903_113_f&fid=36671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fopen.medicdrive.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F28%2Fipad-and-medicine%2F This is the third part in the series of Technology enablers in Health Multi-touch screen  devices which you can carry any where, surf  the web perform basic word processing applications and also read a journal, listen to audio casts. This is what health care professionals are looking at. Many manufactures, ventured on this territory-noticeably,Cruchpad or JooJoo was [...] (Source: Constructive Medicine 2.0) Constructive Medicine 2.0 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3511622 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 05:03:38 +0100 3511622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3490718&cid=t_112903_113_f&fid=36671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fopen.medicdrive.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2F21%2Fipad-and-its-impact-on-medicine%2F This is the second part of the series on Technology enablers in Health. The current stats show that Ipad is a runaway hit among consumers. There are many reasons for this phenomenon, primarily it is the big brother of the popular Iphone.Secondly the applications which work on Iphone and Itouch are enabled for Ipad. One of the [...] (Source: Constructive Medicine 2.0) Constructive Medicine 2.0 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3490718 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:02:48 +0100 3490718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3487185&cid=t_112903_113_f&fid=36671&url=http%3A%2F%2Fopen.medicdrive.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F03%2F19%2Ftechnology-enablers-in-health-care%2F This is a new series of article on how technologies can help us in optimizing health care. Today, smart phones have revolutionized our communications behaviors, in health care industry-personal digital assistants were once a standard tool for many physicians along with Stethoscopes and today Smart phones are gradually replacing them as necessary tools. But, using these [...] (Source: Constructive Medicine 2.0) Constructive Medicine 2.0 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3487185 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:21:13 +0100 3487185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3044778&cid=t_112903_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fekg-du-jour-19-case-of-obtundation.html A 60 year-old man was found obtunded, unable to ambulate or communicate at home by a house cleaning service. He was brought to the emergency room and found to by hypotensive, bradycardic and was intubated emergently due to poor ventillatory effort. His initial potassium was found to be 7.6 meq/L and a slow junctional escape rhythm of 40 b/min. He was administered calcium, insulin and glucose, and the EKG, shown below, improved a bit. Click image to enlargeAn astute observer glanced at the EKG and posed an important question to the ER staff.What was the question?-WesAddendum 18:45 CST - The EKG image was updated to permit better enlarged viewing.Musings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3044778 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:49:00 +0100 3044778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2970234&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F06%2Fbig-finish%2F I think this is going to be it for a while with 3-lead strips. I’ll try to start grabbing more 12-leads. In the meantime, check out Prehospital 12-Lead ECG in the sidebar to the left – there are some very good posts there. (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2970234 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:01:52 +0100 2970234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855687&cid=t_112903_113_f&fid=38130&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tempdev.net%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1000 I saw that Midmark announced their new promotion IQology that is a great deal if you’re thinking about buying devices this year. Basically you get points when buy a device and can use those points to buy supplies or another device. So here’s the deal: Eligible Products ECG – 4 Points Cart – 1 Points Spiro – 2 Points Holter – 6 Points Holter EX/EP – 8 Points Holter Recorder – 2 Points Stress – 8 Points Incentive Products $100 Supplies – 1 Point $300 Supplies – 2 Points Laptop – 6 Points Desktop – 8 Points Cart – 4 Points Holter Recorder – 6 Points Spiro – 6 Points ECG – 12 Points So when you buy 3 ECGs, you get the 4th one free. If you only want to buy an ECG, you get a cart for free. You buy a Spiro, you get a bunch of supplies for ... Implementing EMRs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855687 Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:52:39 +0100 2855687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2851795&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38975&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicblog999.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F01%2Fwhat-happened-to-jack-ecg-geek-6-conclusion%2F For part one of this post, please click here. Right where were we? Oh yes….That ECG! Click to open in new window (See Mart, I said I would figure out how to make them bigger!) Now then, here is my interpretation of this ECG, which many of you got spot on. I can see no discernable p waves and the rhythm is irregularly irregular, therefore it has to be Atrial Fibriliation. It appears to show a grossly normal cardiac axis, and normal R wave progression with an appropriate transition in V3. There is approximately 2mm of ST segment elevation in I and aVL, with reciprocal changes seen in III and aVF. Lead I and aVL correspond to the lateral edge of the heart and therefore I see a Lateral STEMI, with inferior reciprocal changes. Which I really didnt expect, and it had me a bit stump... Medic999 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2851795 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:21:01 +0100 2851795 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2846386&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F29%2Fmore-ekg-strips%2F (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2846386 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:37:48 +0100 2846386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2836188&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38975&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicblog999.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F26%2Fshould-all-patients-have-a-12-lead-ecg-ecg-geek-6%2F Im starting to come to the conclusion that virtually all of my patients are going to get a 12 lead ECG unless there complaint is so minor that its just plain ridiculous! I have had so many cases now where the patient has presented with a complaint which makes me think that maybe I should do an ECG, sometimes without any real reasoning behind it other than ‘I just had a feeling’, only to find a significant cardiac abnormality or evidence of an acute coronary syndrome. A job I had last week was another that confirmed my new assessment rule. Called to a 92 year old very fit and healthy man, Jack. Jack lives on his own in an upper floor flat. He has no carers and is not on any medication. He has no significant medical history and enjoys a daily walk to the shops around the corner ... Medic999 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2836188 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:28:33 +0100 2836188 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790282&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38975&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicblog999.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F13%2Fwant-to-learn-ecg-interpretation%2F As you will have already realised, I love looking at ECGs. I used to think I was quite a clever clogs on them. My work colleagues certainly seem to think so. To be honest, and without being big-headed, I think I do know a little more than the average street wise paramedic. Some may say I know things that arent necessary for a paramedic to know about, but that is a whole different discussion. My point in this post however, is that I have realised that I still have sooooo much more to learn. I have started reading some of the blogs out there that are dedicated to ECG interpretation, and these guys REALLY know their stuff! So if you want to really learn how to comprehensively interpret 12 lead ECGs you really need to bookmark these blogs. Prehospital 12 Lead ECG Toms blog is as comprehensive ... Medic999 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2790282 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:11:40 +0100 2790282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2790283&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38975&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicblog999.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F13%2Fecg-geek-5-is-this-too-easy%2F Ive been looking through my rather extensive collection of ECG traces that I have collected over the last couple of years (some may find that a bit sad but hey, what can I say)and I am picking some out to share with you over the coming months. However, I am trying to find the right difficulty to work on. I know that we are all at different levels of knowledge on interpretation but I want to post ones which most of you will find interesting rather than just think, ‘well thats obvious, its…….’ So here is a quick one for you. Have a go at the interpretation and let me have your thoughts, but more importantly, if you find it easy please tell me in the comments. The history for this one is a 47 year old man who is short of breath on exertion. No previous cardiac problems... Medic999 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2790283 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:43:51 +0100 2790283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788643&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2Fyet-a-few-more-strips%2F Just a note:  The absolutely mundane strips (SR without ectopy or dysrhythmia, etc) don’t usually get saved and scanned, so there’s almost always a glitch or blip of some slight interest in these.  Sometimes, though, the interesting phenom is obscure… (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788643 Fri, 11 Sep 2009 02:55:17 +0100 2788643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788645&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fstrips-36-41%2F are here: (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788645 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:07:25 +0100 2788645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788646&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fstrips-31-35%2F are here: (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788646 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:04:45 +0100 2788646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788647&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fstrips-26-30%2F are here: (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788647 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:02:50 +0100 2788647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788648&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fstrips-21-25%2F are here: (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788648 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:00:31 +0100 2788648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788649&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fstrips-16-20%2F are here: (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788649 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:58:34 +0100 2788649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788650&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fstrips-11-15%2F are here: (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788650 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:55:56 +0100 2788650 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788651&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F27%2Fmore-strips%2F A few more strips, in no particular order, category, or classification. (Source: DTsEMT) DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788651 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:13:58 +0100 2788651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789018&cid=t_112903_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fekg-du-jour-18-fax.html The 47 year-old patient had suffered a cardiac arrest months ago, had a prolonged hospital stay and recovery, and was now being referred for consideration for implantation of a cardiac defibrillator. The doctor faxed ahead this patient's EKG, which arrived distorted and skewed:Click image to enlargeYour mission, should you decide to accept it my dear EKG aficionados, is to describe the findings as best you can. Because the patient has not yet arrived in your clinic and the referring doctor did not have access to an echocardiogram machine (theirs was broken), you must also estimate this patient's left ventricular ejection fraction based on this EKG alone. (Guesses are okay).Good luck.-WesMusings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789018 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 01:52:00 +0100 2789018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2788652&cid=t_112903_101_f&fid=38966&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdtsemt.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F25%2Fstrip-poker%2F Ever since EMT-B school I have loved EKG strips.  Of course, as a “B”, they simply held one up and said, “This is a rhythm strip.  Now, back to splinting…” To me, the most interesting thing about EKGs, and 12-leads in particular – I blurted out, “Holy crap!” when reading about them – was how much information there was in a strip.  EKG strips always seemed to be a “now” kind of thing.  This is what is happening now.  And just heart stuff.  Not so.   Holy crap. Has the patient had a previous infarct?  Look for Q waves.  Oh, here’s a very low “T” wave – perhaps the patient has had diarrhea this week?  Or, a patient has very peaked “T” waves – may be a kidney problem here as w... DTsEMT blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2788652 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 15:17:57 +0100 2788652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2789021&cid=t_112903_105_f&fid=38964&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrwes.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F08%2F1-ekg.html Are you a nerd? If so, you'll love this super-simple single-lead EKG design, facilitated by digital filters from a computer sound card and three pennies for electrodes.Estimated cost?About $1.-Wesh/t: BoingBoing.net.Musings of a cardiologist and cardiac electrophysiologist. (Source: Dr. Wes) Dr. Wes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2789021 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 23:28:00 +0100 2789021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2063357&cid=t_112903_88_f&fid=38203&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprecordialthump.medbrains.net%2F2008%2F12%2F23%2Fanyone-seen-this-before%2F A 93 year-old woman was brought in by ambulance from a nursing home after 2 days of “not being her usual self”. She also had suffered from diarrhoea for 2 days and had not passed urine at all during the day of presentation. She looked dry and her blood pressure was 95/55 mmHg. But she remained incredibly chirpy and seemed to be enjoying the trip to hospital! A venous gas showed K 7.6 mM and Creatinine 436 mM. This was her ECG: Absent P waves and peaked T waves consistent with hyperkalemia, right?.. Look closely there are retrograde P waves that follow the QRS! After treatment with 10 mmol calcium gluconate IV, 10 units rapid-acting insulin  IV, 50 mL of 50% glucose IV, 5 mg nebulised salbutamol, and 500 mL normal saline her ECG was repeated: Back to sinus rhythm... the T waves... AEQUANIMITAS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2063357 Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:36:52 +0100 2063357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1961876&cid=t_112903_105_f&fid=36987&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIvorKovicMd%2F%7E3%2F451753932%2F Kraftwerk is an electronic music band from Germany. They are definitely one of the most influential and revolutionary bands of all time and they inspired artists from nearly all genre of modern music. In the early to late 1970s and the early 1980s the were really hot with their sound that combines driving, repetitive electronically-generated rhythms with catchy synthesizer-generated melodies in a minimalistic arrangement. Listen to them as they perform live their song Elektro Kardiogramm. (Source: Ivor Kovic, M.D.) Ivor Kovic, M.D. blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1961876 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:25:05 +0100 1961876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1750327&cid=t_112903_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F1z-r00_sTIs%2F Do the schools in your area require an EKG with the pre-sports physicals? Yes and I agree No We do not have pre-sports physicals Yes and I do not agree View Results Share This (Source: A Hearty Life) A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1750327 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:17:24 +0100 1750327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1668703&cid=t_112903_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F350657867%2F First, the American Heart Association says children taking ADHD pills should have electrocardiagrams to screen for heart problems. The move was after an FDA review found reports of 19 sudden deaths in children treated with ADHD drugs and 26 reports of other problems including strokes and fast heart rates between 1999 and 2003. Now, though, the American Academy of Pediatrics says most children taking ADHD drugs don’t need an EKG, and the new policy is certain to inflame the debate over the safety of these pills, which are powerful stimulants. More than half of the 4 million kids in the US who are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD are being treated with these pills, the Associated Press reminds us. The issue is that, while ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta can help children f... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1668703 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:43:28 +0100 1668703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658145&cid=t_112903_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D3721 a ECG Course (I) - Video (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658145 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1658145 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1658144&cid=t_112903_87_f&fid=34935&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmedicine.com.my%2Fwp%2F%3Fp%3D3723 a ECG Course (II) - Video (Source: Malaysian Medical Resources) Malaysian Medical Resources blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1658144 Sun, 27 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1658144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1306575&cid=t_112903_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F252633736%2F This is kind of interesting… I have often thought about this over the years. The EKG standards need to be changed among the elder population. After analyzing readings from more than 700 patients 80 or older, the researchers discovered that the average cutoffs (beginning and end points) for measuring all three ECG intervals — PR, QRS and QT — were greater than the current established norms. The findings also showed that the intervals, while greater in general, were significantly higher in men. The intervals refer to the times between recorded peaks of the specific motions in a heartbeat as represented on an electrocardiogram. Obviously as we age there are natural physiological changes that occur. Due to those changes there are differences in the electrical components that ... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1306575 Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:56:45 +0100 1306575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1093160&cid=t_112903_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F199802407%2F Working at an urgent care facility, I see a lot of acute heart attacks as well as extreme panic attacks. I was poking around the internet and my old text books this morning looking for definitive differences on the ol’ anxiety attack and MI. I know that some experience such extreme panic type feelings, heart palpitations and shortness of breath, that the only definitive way to tell exactly what is going on is looking for ST changes on an EKG. So much of what I read really bothered me. “The difference is that panic attacks are not crushing and heart attacks you feel into your left arm” and “Heart attacks are not associated with palpitations and shortness of breath”. Really????? I think not, I have had patients explain all of the above for both MI’s and pa... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1093160 Thu, 13 Dec 2007 16:16:16 +0100 1093160 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=747340&cid=t_112903_131_f&fid=35743&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthegenesherpa.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fsome-times-you-dont-need-genetic-test.html Before I head home post call I want to talk about an important case I saw early this morning. I was in the emergency department admitting this poor gentleman who had developed something called angioedema. He had just started a new medication for his blood pressure called an ACE inhibitor. There is some thought that this reaction is brought about by a genetic predisposition. We do have examples of hereditary angioedema and the mechanism for this man's angioedema is likely very similar.While seeing him and having the Ear, Nose and Throat doctor secure his airway with a cricothyrotomy (a hole cut into the neck to insert a breathing tube) an emergency room tech runs and hands me an EKG. He says "This patient is having a heart attack" The hallmark findings of heart attack on ekg were indeed the... Gene Sherpas: Personalized Medicine and You blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=747340 Fri, 20 Jul 2007 12:36:00 +0100 747340