In 12-Lead ECG interpretation, there are different levels of competency. And obviously, the cardiologists will be the experts along with other providers who have developed their skills to that level.

For the bedside professional caring for cardiac or other acutely ill patients, a basic skill elevates the level of care you provide. The important part of this skill is to have a systematic way to evaluate the 12-Lead ECG so that you are confident and see all the components it can reveal. And in this course you will be exposed to a multitude of 12-Leads, be guided through them, and then use your knowledge to interpret other tracings.

This course will start with the basics of leads, waveforms, intervals, and axis. Axis can be confusing. except when it is taught using “Quick and Dirty” which is easy to learn and remember. This is an important component of the 12-Lead in those with chest pain, detecting other pathologies, and it is also used when evaluating wide complex tachycardias.

When a wide QRS is seen on the monitor, it is often called a bundle branch block (BBB). However, you can only confirm a BBB on the 12-Lead ECG. All types of intraventricular conduction defects are covered including right BBB, left BBB, and the fascicular blocks. Axis will be reintroduced in this section along with the ST and T wave changes associated with the conduction delays.

When a patient comes in with chest pain, many bedside professionals will recognize the ST segment elevation of a STEMI. In this course, we will get systematic in the analysis of the rhythm, intervals, axis, determining any conduction defects, and then grouping the leads to the walls of the heart in the analysis of ischemia, injury, and infarction. Select medical conditions such as pericarditis and electrolyte imbalances will also cause changes in the 12-Lead ECG and are presented.

Throughout the course, clinical correlations will be used focusing on presentation, assessment, changes in 12-Lead ECG, pathophysiology, management, and complications. Numerous “Advanced Pearls” are also included for those clinicians already experienced looking at 12-Lead ECGs to elevate their interpretation skills.

The focus of the course is to present the information in a way that is easy to understand, retain, and utilize at the bedside. “Memory Hints” and bullet points are used along with a multitude of images, diagrams, and 12-Lead ECGs.

A “Cheat Sheet” is referenced with all the 12-Leads reviewed in the course. This can be posted on the clinical unit for future reference. Also, our exclusive “In My Pocket” cards with the information are included for ready access at the bedside.

With the online voice-over-power point course, lifetime access is included. This is beneficial for review of some concepts such as acute coronary syndrome and conduction defects.

The course is divided into modules with corresponding PDFs of the text which can be printed or saved to your computer for future reference.

Listed below are all the topics covered in this comprehensive course to take your knowledge and skill to the next level of competency in your practice.

• Patterns of ischemia, injury, and infarction
• Acute, evolving, and old infarctions
• Wellen’s syndrome
• Bundle branch blocks
• Fascicular blocks
• Atrial hypertrophy
• Ventricular hypertrophy
• Potassium imbalances
• Calcium imbalances
• Drug toxicities
• Pericarditis
• Pericardial effusion and tamponade
• Pulmonary embolism
• Ventricular aneurysm
• Cerebrovascular accident
• Hypothermia
• Hypothyroidism