Electrocardiography of Clinical Arrhythmias

Book excerpt: Because arrhythmias can present in so many different forms, the only way to be certain of an interpretation is to understand the underlying ECG mechanism of arrhythmia. This is especially important in choosing a management strategy, as similar arrhythmias of differing origin may have vastly different therapies/treatments. Unfortunately, standard teaching methods can seem to divorce the theoretical knowledge required for diagnosis from the hands-on reading of ECGs. To achieve a balance of practicality and competency, the two parts of this book are equally divided between concrete example and didactic theory. Section I provides multiple ECG readings of the most commonly encountered simple and complex arrhythmias, and includes differential diagnosis where appropriate. These readings are presented with a minimum of theory, and are repetitively presented in multiple permutations, as they would be encountered in ECG reading room or on the wards. Section II provides a more in-depth discussion of ECG mechanisms and arrhythmogenesis. Attention is focused on the relevant underlying electrophysiology and the deductive processes used to reach the diagnoses of complex arrhythmias. This book can serve as a quick and handy reference for systematic, rule-based arrhythmic diagnoses, as well as an authoritative teaching text for learning the underlying theory and mechanics. It will be of great interest to students and clinicians at all levels, including cardiologists, electrophysiologists, and others who care for patients with cardiovascular disease, ICU and ER staff, emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, and surgeons.