ECG of the Week – 13th May 2020- Interpretation

The ECG below is taken from an 88 year old man who has presented with abdominal pain, constipation and urinary retention. Observations are RR14 Sats 95% BP 154/72

Interpretation:
  • Rate: 144
  • Rhythm: Atrial flutter (notice p waves in V1)
  • Axis: RAD
  • Morphology: RBBB
  • Intervals: QRS 140
  • Summary: Atrial flutter 2:1 Block

Clinical Closure:

  • PMH included CVA, HTN and NIDDM but no cardiac history.
  • we had no old ECGs available
  • his BP remained stable and he showed no clinical signs of shock or compromise
  • he had no symptoms related to his tachycardia
  • he reverted to AF pre surgery.
  • he was treated with Amiodarone but reverted on the operating table

 

Further Reading – Textbook:

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