How do you use the hexaxial reference system?

To use the hexaxial reference system, locate the most isoelectric (or equiphasic) lead (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, or aVF) on a diagnostic quality ECG with proper lead placement. Then find the corresponding spoke on the hexaxial reference system. The perpendicular spoke will point to the heart’s electrical axis.

What is the Hexaxial diagram?

The hexaxial reference system is a diagram that is used to determine the heart’s electrical axis in the frontal plane.

How do you calculate electrical axis on an ECG?

The most efficient way to estimate axis is to look at LEAD I and LEAD aVF. A positive QRS in Lead I puts the axis in roughly the same direction as lead I. A positive QRS in Lead aVF similarly aligns the axis with lead aVF. Combining both coloured areas – the quadrant of overlap determines the axis.

How does the Hexaxial reference system relate to the lead views of the heart?

The hexaxial diagram shows each lead’s view of the heart in the vertical plane. The direction of current flow is towards leads with a positive deflection, away from leads with a negative deflection, and at 90° to a lead with an equiphasic QRS complex.

Why is ECG abnormal?

An abnormal ECG can mean many things. Sometimes an ECG abnormality is a normal variation of a heart’s rhythm, which does not affect your health. Other times, an abnormal ECG can signal a medical emergency, such as a myocardial infarction /heart attack or a dangerous arrhythmia.

What is the PR interval in ECG?

The P-R Interval The first measurement is known as the “P-R interval” and is measured from the beginning of the upslope of the P wave to the beginning of the QRS wave. This measurement should be 0.12-0.20 seconds, or 3-5 small squares in duration.

Where is the frontal plane?

A coronal plane (also known as the frontal plane) is any vertical plane that divides the body into ventral and dorsal (belly and back) sections. It is one of the three main planes of the body used to describe the location of body parts in relation to each other axis.

How many electrodes does the frontal plane have?

This configuration places six positive electrodes on the surface of the chest over different regions of the heart in order to record electrical activity in a plane perpendicular to the frontal plane (see figure at right). These six leads are named V1 – V6. The rules of interpretation are the same as for the limb leads.

What electrocardiogram leads view the heart in the frontal plane?

Six leads view the heart in the frontal plane (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF) and six leads (V1 through V6) view the heart in the horizontal plane. The three standard leads (I, II, III) are bipolar leads; each lead records the potential difference between two limbs (Fig. 8-2).

What is a hexaxial reference system used for?

Hexaxial reference system. The hexaxial reference system is a diagram that is used to determine the heart’s electrical axis in the frontal plane.

What is the heart’s electrical axis in the frontal plane?

If lead II is positively deflected on the ECG, the heart’s electrical axis in the frontal plane will be approximately +60°. Diagram showing how the polarity of the QRS complex in leads I, II, and III can be used to estimate the heart’s electrical axis in the frontal plane.

What are the leads of the frontal plane?

Limb Leads of the Frontal Plane Lead Iis created by making the left arm positive (+) and the right arm negative (-). Lead I reads across the heart from the right to left along the +0° axis in the frontal plane. Lead IIis created by making the left leg positive (+) and the right arm negative (-).

How do you make a frontal plane limb?

Frontal Plane Limb leads. Lead I is created by making the left arm positive (+) and the right arm negative (-). Lead I reads across the heart from the right to left along the +0° axis in the frontal plane. Lead II is created by making the left leg positive (+) and the right arm negative (-).