Defibrillation
For those in pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation or polymorphic VT; an asynchronous application of an electrical current to the heart to depolarize all
Welcome
Sign in to access your certificates, scheduling and claim your points!
By continuing, you agree to SkillStats Terms of Service and Privacy policy.
Already a Member? Sign in
Sign In
Access the pre-release ECG Sim, etc...
By continuing, you agree to SkillStats
Terms of Service and Privacy policy.
Don’t have an account? Click here
Six Second ECG Glossary
Helping you understand the technical terms of ECG interpretation
Delta wave
A slurring of the upstroke of the QRS produced by early depolarization (pre-excitation) of a ventricle via an accessory pathway (see Woolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome). Woolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Demand Mode (Pacemaker)
The synchronous pacing of the heart by an artificial pacemaker; the pacemaker fires only if the heart does not initiate an intrinsic impulse within a
Depolarization
The rapid influx of positive ions (sodium and/or calcium) into a cell – depolarization is necessary for contraction to occur. A depolarizing wave moves through
Design Thinking
A problem-solving approach that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and iteration, focusing on user needs. Design thinking is like putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand
Dextrocardia
A relatively rare phenomena, with the heart located on the right side of the thorax (rather than the typical left thorax position). 1. Six Second
Digoxin Dip
ST segment deviation (possible ventricular strain or digoxin dip) Between the QRS complex and the T wave, lies the ST segment. The ST segment usually
Diphasic (Biphasic)
A wave that includes both an upright (positive) and downward (negative) deflection. Diphasic is also called Biphasic 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill,
Dromotropic
Refers to a physiological response that involves the conduction speed through the AV junction; note that a positive dromotropic effect increases the speed of conduction.
Dual Chamber Paced Rhythm
Transcutaneous pacing and temporary transvenous pacing or an implanted cardiac pacemaker with a lead in a ventricle (typically right ventricle) that initiates a depolarizing wave
Dual Chamber Pacemaker
An artificial pacemaker fires first in the atria, then in the ventricle similar to normal cardiac functioning, thus allowing for atrial kick. 1. Six Second
Dyskinetic
A sub-optimal contracting myocardium due to ischemia, infarction and other cardiac diseases such as cardiomyopathies. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 195
Dysrhythmia
Used interchangeably with arrhythmia, refers to any abnormal rhythm – not normal sinus rhythm or sinus tachycardia. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill,