Dr. Usman's Cardiology Notes

Wandering Baseline Artifact Baseline Wander (BW) Artifact on ECG  One of the other major/common noise type on surface ecg is the baseline wander (BW). BW recorded on ECG is mainly caused by the movement and respiration of the patient hence they appears as low-frequency artifacts!!!! Generally these fluctuations on ECG are not of cardiac origin. And are typically in range below 0.5 Hz  Issues with Baseline wander  1. They can distort the ECG shape esp whenever there is body movement inc even deep rapid breathing !!! ( Some data even suggest that BW can even be caused by loose or dry electrodes)  (To mitigate this issue remember Some techs may be used to ask patients to hold their breath during a 12-lead ECG. Be aware of this as this can also alter the patient’s heart rate)  2. BW is especially important when subtle changes in the “low-frequency” ST–T segment are analyzed for the diagnosis of ischemia, for which ETT is performed .  Though The frequency conte...

  Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) can cause severe aortic regurgitation (AR) through several mechanisms: Congenital Abnormalities 1. Abnormal valve morphology: BAVs often have an abnormal valve morphology, which can lead to incomplete closure of the valve leaflets, resulting in AR. 2. Fusion of valve leaflets: In BAV, the valve leaflets may be fused together, creating a single, abnormal leaflet that cannot close properly, leading to AR. Acquired Changes 1. Valve calcification: Over time, BAVs can become calcified, leading to stiffening of the valve leaflets and incomplete closure, resulting in AR. 2. Valve prolapse: BAVs can also prolapse, causing the valve leaflets to bulge backward into the left ventricle, leading to AR. Aortic Root Changes 1. Aortic root dilation: BAVs are often associated with aortic root dilation, which can lead to AR by causing the valve leaflets to become misaligned. 2. Aortic aneurysm formation: In some cases, BAVs can lead [3/4, 1:39 PM] Meta AI: Bicuspid Aort...

ECG artefacts!!! a relatively common happening in every day clinical life can have a wide range of presentations and can create varying clinical relevance !!!!!!  ECG artifacts are distortions/ changes in the ECG that are not caused by the heart electrically activity by itself !!!!!   Commonly used terms in this regard are  1. Motion artifacts! irregular ECG baseline changes caused by movement or shaking of body.  2. ECG artefacts! on the other hand “signals that are not related to cardiac electrical activity” A. Artefacts due to technical problems with recording sys  (nuisance artefact’s)  1. malfunctioning equipment  inc loose or fractured leads 2. accumulation of static energy 3. electromagnetic interference(EMI). caused by power lines and electrical equipment.  “It can be recognized as high frequency sharp signals at 60 Hz” 4. patient-related artifact such as body movement,  5. poor electrode contact because of hairy skin or w...