EKGs and the Cardiovascular System
A foundational clinical skills course designed for Medical Assistants and Phlebotomy Technicians. It covers cardiovascular anatomy, the electrical conduction system, proper 12-lead EKG placement, artifact troubleshooting, and basic rhythm interpretation.
Anatomy of the Heart and Blood Vessels Identify the major structural components of the heart, including chambers, valves, and tissue layers. Distinguish between the functions and structures of arteries, veins, and capillaries. The Cardiac Cycle and Blood Flow Trace the continuous pathway of blood flow through the systemic and pulmonary circuits. Explain the mechanical phases of the cardiac cycle, specifically systole and diastole. The Electrical Conduction System Map the pathway of the electrical conduction system from the SA node down to the Purkinje fibers. Define the cellular concepts of depolarization and repolarization in cardiac muscle. EKG Fundamentals and Waveforms Correlate the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave with the electrical and mechanical events of the heart. Interpret EKG paper grid measurements to determine time (horizontal axis) and voltage (vertical axis). Patient Preparation and Communication Demonstrate proper patient communication and instruction prior to an EKG procedure. Apply privacy, HIPAA, and safety protocols during patient preparation, including skin prep. Standard 12-Lead EKG Placement Identify the correct anatomical landmarks for placing the 6 precordial (chest) leads. Differentiate between the placement and purpose of limb leads versus precordial leads. Troubleshooting Artifacts and Holter Monitors Recognize common EKG artifacts on a tracing, such as somatic tremor, wandering baseline, and AC interference. Describe corrective techniques for poor EKG tracings and explain the basic setup for ambulatory Holter monitors. Analyzing EKG Strips and Normal Sinus Rhythm Apply a step-by-step systematic approach to calculating heart rate from an EKG strip. Identify the definitive criteria for Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR). Recognizing Basic Arrhythmias Recognize the visual characteristics of common atrial arrhythmias, including Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter. Recognize the visual characteristics of common ventricular arrhythmias, including PVCs, V-Tach, and V-Fib. Heart Blocks and Life-Threatening Emergencies Identify the basic visual characteristics of AV heart blocks on an EKG tracing. Determine the appropriate clinical response and physician escalation procedures for life-threatening arrhythmias.