What ECG findings is indicative of hypokalemia?
Electrocardiographic characteristics associated with hypokalemia include dynamic changes in T-wave morphology, ST-segment depression, and U waves, which are often best seen in the mid-precordial leads (V2–V4). The PR interval can also be prolonged along with an increase in the amplitude of the P wave.
What causes RBBB on ECG?
Right bundle branch block can result from a number of conditions, such as: Heart disease due to high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) Blood clot in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
What does RBBB look like on ECG?
The ECG criteria for a right bundle branch block include the following: QRS duration greater than 120 milliseconds. rsR’ “bunny ear” pattern in the anterior precordial leads (leads V1-V3) Slurred S waves in leads I, aVL and frequently V5 and V6.
Can low potassium cause abnormal ECG?
Hypokalemia causes enlarged and prominent T waves on the EKG. Potassium levels that are critically low (<1.7) can lead to torsades de pointes.
Which ECG finding is consistent with hyperkalemia?
ECG changes have a sequential progression, which roughly correlate with the potassium level. Early changes of hyperkalemia include tall, peaked T waves with a narrow base, best seen in precordial leads ; shortened QT interval; and ST-segment depression.
What is RBBB heart condition?
Right bundle branch block is a problem with your right bundle branch that keeps your heart’s electrical signal from moving at the same time as the left bundle branch. Instead of moving together on the left and right sides, the signal on the right side is running behind. This creates an irregular heartbeat.
What does it mean when you have a right bundle branch block?
Bundle branch block is a condition in which there’s a delay or blockage along the pathway that electrical impulses travel to make your heart beat. It sometimes makes it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently through your body.
How do you identify LBBB and RBBB?
Is it LBBB or RBBB? Once you have identified that your QRS is wide go to lead V1. If the “terminal force” of the QRS is above the baseline (big R wave) you have a RBBB. If the “terminal force” of the QRS is below the baseline (big S wave) you have a LBBB.
Does RBBB cause left axis deviation?
Clinically, bifascicular block presents with one of two ECG patterns: Right bundle branch block (RBBB) with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), manifested as left axis deviation (LAD) RBBB and left posterior fascicular block (LPFB), manifested as right axis deviation (RAD) in the absence of other causes.
How does potassium affect ECG?
What causes U wave in hypokalemia?
The U wave is thought to reflect the relatively late repolarization process of His-Purkinje cells and certain left ventricular myocytes.
What arrhythmias does hypokalemia cause?
Clinically, hypokalemia is associated with triggered arrhythmias such as Torsades De Pointes (TDP), polymorphic VT, ventricular fibrillation (VF), and ventricular ectopy (Nordrehaug et al., 1985).
What ECG findings are characteristic of hypokalemia?
The typical ECG findings of hypokalemia (low potassium level) include: U wave that occurs just after the T wave and is usually of smaller amplitude than the T wave. Flattening of the T wave. ST depression on occasion, which can mimic ischemia.
What is RBBB in ECG?
Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) The left ventricle is activated normally, meaning that the early part of the QRS complex is unchanged. The delayed right ventricular activation produces a secondary R wave (R’) in the right precordial leads (V1-3) and a wide, slurred S wave in the lateral leads.
What are the ST-segment changes in hypokalemia?
ST-segment depression, T waves flattening (red arrows), prominent U waves (orange arrows). With severe hypokalemia these alterations are more pronounced, there is greater ST-segment depression, the T wave becomes negative and the U wave becomes higher. ST-segment depression, negative T waves (red arrows), prominent U waves (orange arrows).
What is the normal range of hypokalemia?
It is defined as potassium level in the plasma below 3.5 mmol/L (3.5 mEq/L) 1 2. Hypokalemia causes electrocardiogram (EKG) change, especially during the ventricular repolarization; it may also pormote the appearance of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias 2.