Basic EKG Course

Lesson 1 • Coronary Artery Supply and Territory

Maps the major coronary arteries to the myocardial regions they perfuse. Prepares learners to localise ischaemic changes on future EKG readings.

Lesson 2 • Cardiac Cell Electrophysiology

Explains depolarisation and repolarisation at the cellular level. Provides the physiological rationale for each EKG waveform component.

Lesson 3 • Cardiac Conduction System Overview

Traces the electrical impulse from the SA node through the ventricles. Connects anatomical structures to the waveforms seen on an EKG tracing.

Lesson 1 • Skin Preparation and Artefact Prevention

Covers skin cleaning, hair removal, and electrode adhesion techniques. Proper preparation eliminates the most common sources of EKG artefact.

Lesson 2 • Precordial Lead Electrode Placement

Details anatomical landmarks for V1 through V6 electrode positioning. Accurate precordial placement is critical for detecting anterior and lateral pathology.

Lesson 3 • Special Lead Configurations

Introduces right-sided and posterior lead placements for extended health assessment. Expands diagnostic capability beyond the standard 12-lead setup.

Lesson 4 • EKG Machine Components and Settings

Identifies hardware components, paper speed, and gain settings. Correct machine configuration is a prerequisite to obtaining interpretable tracings.

Lesson 1 • T Wave and U Wave Recognition

Describes normal T wave polarity, shape, and amplitude across leads. T wave changes signal repolarisation abnormalities and guide clinical decisions.

Lesson 2 • Intervals and Segments Measurement

Covers PR interval, QT interval, ST segment, and TP segment measurement. Interval abnormalities are the primary diagnostic markers in EKG interpretation.

Lesson 3 • P Wave Identification and Measurement

Defines normal P wave morphology, duration, and amplitude. The P wave reflects atrial depolarisation and indicates sinus node activity.

Lesson 4 • EKG Paper Grid Fundamentals

Explains the small and large box dimensions for time and voltage measurement. Grid literacy is the foundation for all interval and amplitude calculations.

Lesson 1 • Heart Rate Calculation Methods

Presents the 300-box, 1500-box, and six-second strip methods for rate calculation. Each method suits different rhythm regularity and clinical urgency scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Normal Sinus Rhythm Criteria

Defines the five criteria required to classify a rhythm as normal sinus. Establishes the baseline against which all abnormal rhythms are compared.

Lesson 3 • Rhythm Regularity Assessment

Teaches use of calipers and the paper-edge technique to assess R-R interval regularity. Regularity classification directs the differential diagnosis of arrhythmias.

Lesson 1 • Atrial Fibrillation Recognition

Covers the irregularly irregular rhythm, absent P waves, and fibrillatory baseline. AFib is the most clinically common sustained arrhythmia requiring EKG recognition.

Lesson 2 • Atrial Flutter Recognition

Identifies the sawtooth flutter wave pattern and variable AV conduction ratios. Flutter is distinguished from fibrillation by its organised atrial activity.

Lesson 3 • Junctional Rhythms and Beats

Identifies junctional escape beats, accelerated junctional rhythm, and junctional tachycardia. Retrograde or absent P waves with narrow QRS define junctional origin.

Lesson 4 • Supraventricular Tachycardia Patterns

Distinguishes AVNRT, AVRT, and atrial tachycardia by P wave location and morphology. Narrow QRS and rapid rate are shared features requiring careful differentiation.

Lesson 1 • Atrioventricular Heart Blocks

Differentiates first-, second-, and third-degree AV block by PR interval and P-QRS relationship. Degree of block determines urgency and need for pacing intervention.

Lesson 2 • Ventricular Fibrillation and Asystole

Identifies the chaotic baseline of VFib and the flat line of asystole. Both are cardiac arrest rhythms requiring immediate resuscitation intervention.

Lesson 3 • Ventricular Tachycardia Recognition

Covers monomorphic and polymorphic VT criteria, rate, and AV dissociation signs. VT is a potentially fatal rhythm requiring immediate recognition and response.

Lesson 4 • Bundle Branch Blocks

Teaches RBBB and LBBB criteria using QRS duration and morphology in key leads. Bundle branch blocks widen the QRS and alter ST-T wave interpretation.

Lesson 1 • STEMI Equivalents and Mimics

Covers Sgarbossa criteria, left main occlusion patterns, and common STEMI mimics. Recognition of equivalents prevents missed diagnoses in atypical presentations.

Lesson 2 • T Wave Changes in Ischaemia

Identifies hyperacute T waves, T wave inversion, and Wellens syndrome patterns. T wave changes often precede or follow ST elevation in the ischaemic timeline.

Lesson 3 • Infarction Localisation by Lead Group

Maps ST changes and Q waves to specific coronary artery territories and myocardial walls. Localisation guides catheterisation lab activation and clinical decision-making.

Lesson 4 • ST Segment Elevation Patterns

Defines STEMI criteria by lead group and millimetre threshold. ST elevation in contiguous leads indicates acute transmural injury requiring urgent intervention.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Axis Determination

Teaches the quadrant method and lead I and aVF technique for axis calculation. Axis deviation indicates ventricular hypertrophy, fascicular blocks, or lead misplacement.

Lesson 2 • Integrating Findings into Clinical Context

Teaches correlation of EKG findings with patient symptoms, history, and vital signs. Clinical integration transforms isolated EKG findings into actionable diagnostic conclusions.

Lesson 3 • Chamber Enlargement and Hypertrophy

Identifies P wave changes for atrial enlargement and voltage criteria for ventricular hypertrophy. These findings reflect chronic pressure or volume overload on cardiac chambers.

Lesson 4 • Electrolyte and Drug Effects on EKG

Covers EKG changes caused by hyperkalaemia, hypokalaemia, hypercalcaemia, and common cardiac drugs. Recognising these patterns prevents misdiagnosis of primary arrhythmias.