Module introduction

When presented with an ECG, most psychiatrists probably have one of the cognitions below.When presented with an ECG, most psychiatrists probably have one of these cognitions

 

However, with the emphasis on physical health in CPA reviews it is clear that interpreting ECGs is a modern psychiatrist’s responsibility.

 

Hopefully this package of two modules will provide a clear, useable structure that can allow ECGs to be read. Clearly we do not aim to train psychiatrists up to the level of cardiologists, but the hope is that by working to the system we describe, it will minimise the chances of potentially serious conditions being missed on psychiatric wards.

 

 

 

 

Learning outcomes:

 

By the end of this two-part module, we hope you will be able to:

 

Part 1:

 

  • calculate the heart rate and comment on rhythm

 

  • identify the various waveforms on the ECG

 

Part 2:

 

  • calculate the axis of the heart

 

  • comment on QRS, ST and T segments

 

  • calculate the QT and QTc intervals

 

  • be more aware of medication/conditions that could cause potential cardiovascular problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


© 2009 Royal College of Psychiatrists