Master 12-Lead ECG Interpretation in 1 video

What You'll Learn/Key Takeaways:
Understanding ST Segment Changes:

Isoelectric Line: The baseline on an ECG.

Elevation (STEMI): Indicates myocardial infarction (heart injury).

Depression (Ischemia): Indicates lack of oxygen to the heart.

The "Backward Glance" Trick: A simple way to spot ST elevation or depression.

J Point: The critical point after the QRS complex to assess ST changes.

Rules for Diagnosing STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction):

Must be seen in two or more contiguous leads.

Lead Groups & Anatomy: Understand which leads view which part of the heart (septal, anterior, lateral, inferior) and which coronary artery supplies them.

Specific Millimeter Rules for V2/V3

Reciprocal Changes:

Learn how opposite ST segment changes in reciprocal leads confirm an MI (e.g., ST elevation in inferior leads often means ST depression in lateral/high lateral leads).

Understand which leads have reciprocal relationships and which do not.

Importance for confirming an MI and potentially for diagnosing a posterior wall STEMI (requiring V7-V9 leads).

STEMI Imposters (What Looks Like a STEMI But Isn't):

Concave vs. Convex ST Segments: Differentiate harmless concave ST elevation (often imposters) from concerning convex ST elevation (true STEMI).

Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardial sac. Often presents with widespread concave ST elevation, fever, and chest pain that may improve when leaning forward.

Early Repolarization: A normal variant, especially in younger individuals, showing widespread concave ST elevation without other symptoms.

Conduction Disturbances:

Bundle Branch Blocks (BBB): Both left and right bundle branch blocks cause a widening of the QRS complex.

Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB): Characterized by a wide, downwardly deflected QRS in Lead V1 and upward deflections in Lead I, aVL, and V6. If a patient with new LBBB complains of chest pain, treat as a STEMI.

Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB): Characterized by a wide, upwardly deflected QRS in Lead V1 (bunny ears/terminal R wave) and downward or slurred S waves in Lead I, aVL, and V6.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro: Confidently Reading 12-Leads
1:00 - ST Segment: Isoelectric Line, Elevation (STEMI), Depression (Ischemia)
2:55 - J Point Explained
3:33 - The "Backward Glance" Trick for ST Changes
6:26 - Rules for Diagnosing STEMI
6:45 - 12-Lead Views: Limb & Precordial Leads
7:37 - Coronary Artery Supply to Leads
7:53 - Contiguous Leads Explained
11:59 - Specific Millimeter Rules for V2/V3 (Men/Women)
14:42 - General 1mm Rule for All Other Leads
15:23 - ST Depression (Ischemia) Rule (0.5mm)
15:47 - Example: Anteroseptal STEMI
17:19 - STEMI Imposters Intro
17:59 - Concave vs. Convex ST Segments
18:55 - Pathological Q Waves (Previous MI)
19:19 - Pathological Q Wave Example
20:19 - Reciprocal Change Rules
21:31 - Reciprocal Leads Chart
23:16 - Inferior Wall STEMI & Reciprocal Changes
28:49 - Right Sided Heart Involvement (V4R) & Nitro Caution
31:11 - Lateral Wall STEMI & Reciprocal Changes
33:59 - Pericarditis: Definition, ECG Appearance, Treatment
37:13 - Early Repolarization: Definition, ECG Appearance, Treatment
39:56 - Conduction Disturbances Intro
40:04 - Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB): Definition, ECG Appearance
40:55 - LBBB ECG Example & Key Identifying Features
43:31 - LBBB & Chest Pain: Treat as STEMI
45:05 - Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB): Definition, ECG Appearance
45:37 - RBBB ECG Example & Key Identifying Features
48:26 - LVH (Left Ventricular Hypertrophy) as an Imposter
48:58 - Big Announcement: Rescue Academy's EMT/Paramedic Guides!
50:35 - How to Keep Practicing 12-Leads

Call to Action:
Ready to master 12-leads and boost your confidence? 👍 Like this video if this guide helped you understand ECG interpretation! 🔔 Subscribe to Rescue_Academy_ for more essential EMT and Paramedic study content! 💬 What's the one rule or concept about 12-leads that "clicked" for you after watching this video? Share it in the comments below!