One-Two Criteria: Improving the Approach to Electrocardiogram



Hosseini M¹ ; Hoseini SS² ; Shoar N³ ; Shoar S² Show Affiliations
Source: Iranian Journal of Medical Hypotheses and Ideas Published:2010

Abstract

The electrocardiogram (EKG) is one of the major Para-clinic exams for evaluating patients suspected to cardiac or non-cardiac disease which could be very informative especially when assessed by experienced clinicians. To improve and accelerate the approach to EKG interpretation, simple and accurate criteria are useful and save the physician's time especially in emergent situations. In this article, we introduce our criteria which determine whether the electrical axis of heart is normal or not and if abnormal, what kind of deviation it has. These criteria say that if the mean QRS complex in leads I and II are positive, the axis will be accu-rately in the normal range (-30 to +90); unless, the axis is abnormal necessitating a more complex evaluation. These criteria could simplify the first step of the approach to EKG interpretation especially in emergent situations. They can also be proper substitute for current methods of heart axis determination in clinical practice and for educational goals. © 2010 Motaharsadat Hosseini et al.