EKG · pattern recognition

Read every strip.

STEMI localization, AV blocks, channelopathies, hyperkalemia, torsades — the EKG patterns Step 2 will throw at you and exactly what to do next.

Ischemia & ACS

3 topics
STEMI — localization by leads
Map the ST-elevation pattern to the infarct territory and the culprit artery.
Stable CAD — stress testing & risk
Who needs a stress test, what kind, and how to interpret findings.
NSTEMI / unstable angina
Recognize NSTE-ACS, risk stratify, and pick early vs delayed invasive strategy.

Arrhythmias

2 topics
Narrow-complex tachycardias
Differentiate sinus tach, AFib, AFlutter, SVT — and pick the right move.
Wide-complex tachycardias & VT/VF
VT vs SVT with aberrancy, torsades, VF — and what to shock vs not.

Conduction

2 topics
AV blocks — 1°, Mobitz I/II, complete
Recognize each block by PR pattern and dropped beats; know who needs a pacemaker.
Bradycardias & sinus node disease
Sinus brady, sick sinus, junctional rhythms — when to pace.

Anatomy on the EKG

2 topics
Axis, LVH, RVH — the basics
Quick axis determination, LVH/RVH criteria, BBB recognition.
Paced rhythms & ICD basics
Recognize pacing spikes, understand modes (DDD, VVI), know when device failure is happening.

Electrolytes & SCD

2 topics
EKG changes by electrolyte
Hyperkalemia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia — recognize and treat fast.
Pre-excitation & channelopathies
WPW, long QT, Brugada, HCM — sudden cardiac death syndromes.

PE & RV Strain

2 topics
Pericarditis vs PE vs STEMI mimics
Diffuse ST elevation, PR depression, S1Q3T3 — what's not a STEMI.
RV strain, PE, and cor pulmonale
EKG findings of acute and chronic RV overload — when to suspect what.

Emergencies

2 topics
Cardiac arrest rhythms & ACLS
Shockable vs non-shockable rhythms; the ACLS algorithm in plain English.
Syncope — EKG-first workup
Cardiac vs non-cardiac syncope; what an EKG must rule out.