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The ECG in Myocardial Infarction Dr Stephen Newell. The ECG An upward deflection on the ECG represents depolarisation moving towards the viewing electrode, and a downward deflection represents depolarisation moving away from the viewing electrode.
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The ECG • An upward deflection on the ECG represents depolarisation moving towards the viewing electrode, and a downward deflection represents depolarisation moving away from the viewing electrode. • The P wave represents atrial depolarisation - there is little muscle in the atrium so the deflection is small. • The Q wave represents depolarisation at the bundle of His; again, this is small as there is little muscle there. • The R wave represents the main spread of depolarisation, from the inside out, through the base of the ventricles. This involves large amounts of muscle so the deflection is large. • The S wave shows the subsequent depolarisation of the rest of the ventricles upwards from the base of the ventricles. • The T wave represents repolarisation of the myocardium. This is a relatively slow process - hence the smooth curved deflection.
ECG changes in myocardial infarction • The changes in the ECG are seen in the leads adjacent to the infarct. In the first few hours the T waves become abnormally tall (hyperacute with loss of their normal concavity) and the ST segments begin to rise. • In the first 24 hours the T wave will become inverted, as the ST elevation begins to resolve. • Pathological Q waves may appear within hours or may take greater than 24 hr. • Long term changes of ECG include persistent Q waves in 90%, persistent T waves. Persistent ST elevation is rare except in the presence of a ventricular aneursym. • In non Q-wave infarcts, ST depression and T wave inversion occur without ST elevation. • There may be ST depression in the leads opposite to the site of the infarct. • In Type 1 DM a small infarct on ECG may hide large haemodynamic changes.
(hyperacute) the mirror image of acute injury in leads V1-3 • (fully evolved) tall R wave, tall upright T wave in leads V1-3 • usually associated with inferior and/or lateral wall MI