Dr. Bassam Klink’s EKG/ECG Checklist

Explore the four phases of cardiac electricity—resting, depolarization, end of depolarization, and repolarization—and how ion movement creates atrial and ventricular contractions seen on the ECG.

Explore how cardiac sodium, calcium, and potassium channels govern resting potential and depolarization, and how voltage-gated gates plus gap junctions spread impulse through atrial and ventricular conduction.

Discover how heart electricity originates at the SA node, depolarizes via sodium and calcium currents, spreads through gap junctions to atria and ventricles, and creates the ECG waveform.

Explore the cardiac conduction system anatomy, including the dominant SA node and automaticity, AV node, bundle branches, Perkins G fibers, and the axis guiding atrial to ventricular depolarization.

Learn why the 12 leads cover the heart from different parts using limb and chest electrodes to map electrical activity and localize abnormalities.

Explore the waves and segments of the cardiogram, defining P waves, PR interval, and QRS complex, and connect atrial and ventricular depolarization and repolarization to normal criteria.

Master the normal criteria of the ECG to distinguish normal from abnormal patterns, then use the checklist to define abnormalities quickly; study each wave, segment, and interval in detail.

Understand the normal PR interval criteria on the ECG, including width from three small squares to one large square, its constancy, and that it is followed by the QRS complex.

Assess the qrs width using the normal criterion of up to three small squares; widths above three are abnormal, checked across key locations including v6 for accurate ekg interpretation.

Explore the normal criteria for the R wave shape in ECG, focusing on V1, V2, V5, and V6, and learn how to identify common abnormal patterns in the R wave.

Master the axis of the heart on EKG/ECG by interpreting leads I, II, III, and AVF to identify normal axis and left, right, or extreme right axis deviations.

Identify the normal RR rhythm by checking for equal, constant R-R distances on the ECG using large-square measurements; small respiratory variability is normal, while unequal spacing suggests abnormality.

Learn the normal qrs height criteria for v1 and v5, r and s wave relations, and height sums under seven large squares; detect hypertrophy via excessive height and axis deviation.

Identify the normal R and S criteria in leads V1 and V6, and relate their relationship to dominant R in V1, ventricular hypertrophy, and posterior myocardial infarction.

Identify the normal criteria for the T wave, including upright orientation in key leads and amplitude limits. Acknowledge exceptions in V1–V3 for younger patients and possible inverted waves as abnormal.

Explore normal qt interval criteria and sex-specific thresholds, including measurements in square units, and learn how long or short qt intervals signal electrolyte disturbances or congenital conditions, with careful measurement.

Learn to apply the ACLS-PALS ECG checklist: classify QRS as wide, flat, or narrow, assess organization and rate to diagnose VT, VF, SVT, AF, asystole, bradycardia, and PEA.

ACLS-PALS rhythm analysis uses a stepwise checklist to classify wide versus narrow complexes, assess organized waves and rate, and differentiate SVT, AF, bradycardia, and asystole.

Learn ACLS and PALS rhythm analysis by identifying narrow versus wide QRS tachycardias, assessing pulse, rate, and R-R distances to diagnose bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, SVT, and other rhythms.

Apply the EKG/ECG checklist to interpret the T wave, SD segment elevation or depression, and D-wave abnormalities to diagnose ischemia, infarction, and electrolyte disturbances such as hyperkalemia and hypokalemia.

Learn to identify R wave patterns in V5–V6 and V1–V2, differentiate left bundle branch block, posterior myocardial infarction, and ischemia, and apply ST elevation and reciprocal changes to guide diagnosis.

Learn to recognize the epsilon wave on the e cardiogram and differentiate it from right bundle branch block to assess risk of right ventricular cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death.

Apply the three-question protocol to arrhythmia analysis by evaluating R distances, P-waves, and rhythm to determine a full diagnosis, highlighting equal and unequal patterns.

Dr. Bassam Klink’s EKG/ECG checklist uses a three-question protocol—R-distance analysis, waveform assessment, and P-wave evaluation—to diagnose sinus rhythm, sinus arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular ectopic/escape rhythms.

Apply a three-step rhythm analysis to identify sinus rhythm and differentiate atrial, junctional, and ventricular origins using R distances, P waves, and QRS morphology.

Discover a practical EKG/ECG checklist to diagnose arrhythmias, using r-distance analysis, p-wave evaluation, and rhythm origin to distinguish ventricular, junctional, and sinus escapes.

Learn to assess EKG rate using RR intervals, distinguish bradycardia from tachycardia, and classify arrhythmias—from sinus to atrial and ventricular tachycardias—using rate, rhythm, and P-wave criteria.

Identify normal and abnormal PR intervals using the 3–5 small-square rule. Then diagnose heart blocks from Mobitz I and II to first-degree and complete blocks.

Explore arrhythmia analysis using a practical EKG/ECG checklist to identify progressive PR lengthening, missing QRS, and bradycardia. Differentiate first-degree, Mobitz type I and II, and third-degree heart blocks.

Identify wpw pattern by a short pr interval and delta waves, differentiate left versus right accessory pathways, and recognize arrhythmia risks such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia.

Dr. Bassam Klink’s EKG/ECG checklist teaches assessing QRS shape and axis to diagnose left or right axis deviation, ventricular hypertrophy, and hyperkalemia.

Analyze P-wave morphology and axis deviation to diagnose atrial enlargement (left and right) and ventricular changes, using differential diagnoses and criteria for abnormal shapes in EKG interpretation.

Use ecg checklist to assess qt interval and u wave, distinguishing normal from short or long. Identify electrolyte-related causes and action steps, including precise measurement and when to refer.

Explore a comprehensive mind map checklist for interpreting normal and abnormal ECGs, detailing protocols, rhythm diagnoses, ischemia, electrolyte disorders, and key differential diagnoses.

Apply a checklist mind map to ekg/ecg interpretation, analyzing r distances, p waves, and qrs to distinguish normal from abnormal rhythms. Then apply the four questions protocol against normal criteria.

Apply Dr. Bassam Klink’s EKG/ECG checklist to interpret axis, rate, rhythm, and key differentials such as right ventricular hypertrophy, bundle branch blocks, WPW with delta waves, and electrolyte abnormalities.