How to read an EKG? The ROIG method may help you.
At the beginning (when we are novices), most doctors, nurses and students experience problems when making an adequate interpretation of an electrocardiogram, and this is due (among other factors) to the lack of organization when interpreting. an EKG.
When I was a medical student I had the same problem, until one day I decided to find a way to organize myself.
To solve this problem, I needed to create a basic method that would guide me in a simple way and, at the same time, must be easy to remember, for this reason, I decided to use the acronym ROIG, which is also my last name.
Getting into the matter, I am going to share with you the steps of this method, which I hope will help you in the same way that it helped me when I started.
Note: This method ONLY applies to the standard 12-lead EKG. Let's start:
Rate
Observe the rhythm
Intervals
Go for the signs of Myocardial Infarction
Here are the steps in text:
Rate
The first step is to calculate the Heart Rate (HR).
Total QRS x 6 = HR.
If HR > 100 bpm = Tachycardia if the rhythm originates from the SA node or tachyarrhythmia if the rhythm originates from outside the sinus node.
If HR < 60 bpm = Bradycardia if the rhythm originates from the SA node or bradyarrhythmia if the rhythm originates from outside the sinus node.
Observe the rhythm
The second step is to observe the rhythm.
If R-R interval is equal = Regular rhythm.
If R-R interval varies = Irregular rhythm.
If P wave is upright in lead II = Sinus rhythm.
Intervals
The third step is to analyze the intervals.
Check the PR, QRS and QT intervals.
Are they long o short?
Go for the signs of Myocardial Infarction.
The fourth step is to look for MI.
Are there ST elevation?
Are there ST depression in V1-V3?
Are there abnormal Q waves?
Each person has their way of reading an EKG, but if you are just starting to learn how to interpret an EKG, the basic method of Dr. Roig may help you organize yourself every time you interpret an EKG. As soon your knowledge increases, you should add to the method (second step) the following:
Observe the rhythm, P:QRS, axis, voltage, R-wave progression, and the chambers enlargment.
I hope this method will be useful for you as much as it was for me in the beginning.
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