Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 1, 2024

A rapid echocardiogram was performed, revealing an ejection fraction of 20% with thinning of the anterior-apical walls. While the initial impression might not immediately suggest ventricular tachycardia (VT), a closer examination raises suspicion. The initial troponin T level was measured at 30 ng/L. What is the rhythm?

Tachycardia 111

Tachycardia Blog Heart Failure Ischemia 111

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 1, 2013

Notice there is tachycardia. I have warned in the past that one must think of other etiologies of ischemia when there is tachycardia. In this case, the patient had failed to take his atenolol in the AM and was having reflex tachycardia in addition to ACS. Seventh , an immediate echocardiogram can make the distinction.

STEMI 52

STEMI Ischemia Chest Pain Myocardial Infarction 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

A transthoracic echocardiogram showed an LV EF of less than 15%, critically severe aortic stenosis , severe LVH , and a small LV cavity. NEJM 362(9):779; March 4, 2009. NEJM 362(9):779; March 4, 2009. Aortic angiogram did not reveal aortic dissection. Hypotension may of course be a result of a brady- or tachydysrhythmia.

Ischemia 40

Ischemia Cardiogenic Shock Aortic Stenosis 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 8, 2015

If the patient has Abnormal Vital Signs (fever, hypotension, tachycardia, or tachypnea, or hypoxemia), then these are the primary issue to address, as there is ongoing pathology which must be identified. Yield of Diagnostic Tests in Evaluating Syncopal Episodes in Older Patients Arch Intern Med 2009 Jul 27; 169:1299-1305. Sivilotti, M.,

Arrhythmia 52

Arrhythmia Outcomes Chest Pain Risk Factors 52