ECG Training Courses

ECG Interpretation Training Courses

Course suitable for :

ECG training is essential for a wide range of professionals in the healthcare and emergency response fields. This includes

  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Paramedics
  • Healthcare Assistants
  • Medical students aiming to expand their practical skills.

Beyond these groups, individuals working in roles like occupational health or in fitness and rehabilitation centres can also benefit from this course. Anyone involved in monitoring heart health or responding to cardiac emergencies will find our ECG training indispensable. By understanding how to accurately perform and interpret ECGs, these professionals are better equipped to deliver swift and potentially life-saving interventions.

ECG Training Course

Course content

Our ECG training course will enhance your ability to detect abnormalities in heart rhythms, facilitate quicker diagnoses, and guide urgent treatment decisions.

  • Introduction and basics.
  • ECG recording.
  • Cardiac conduction.
  • PQRST.
  • The technology.
  • The Rhythm Strip.
  • Sinus Rhythm.
  • Sinus Bradycardia.
  • Sinus Tachycardia.
  • Heart blocks.
  • Atrial Fibrillation.
  • Bundle Branch blocks.
  • Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.
  • Right Ventricular Hypertrophy.
  • Myocardial ischaemia.
  • Myocardial infarction.
  • Cardiac Axis.
  • WPW, QT Prolongation.

ECG Training

Learning outcomes

  • Understands the reasons for requesting an ECG in context of own practice.
  • Able to perform an ECG competently.
  • Gain understanding of cardiac conduction and function.
  • Understands the anatomy of an ECG.
  • Can assess the Rhythm strip for rate, rhythm and regularity.
  • Understands normal values for rate, PR, QRSD and QT intervals.
  • Gain good understanding of different degrees of heart block.
  • Able to recognise atrial fibrillation, flutter, tachyarrhythmias and ectopics on the ECG.
  • Able to recognise bundle branch block and ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Can recognize ischaemia and acute injury.
  • Gain good understanding of the assessment and reasons for axis deviation.
  • Knows how to escalate patients based on history, signs, symptoms and ECG findings.
  • Recognition of common abnormalities based on time values and morphology.
  • Complete competency document and quiz.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

What is an ECG?

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart. It records the heart's rhythm and electrical signals through small electrodes placed on the skin, typically on the chest, arms, and legs. The purpose of an ECG is to detect and diagnose various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart attacks, and other abnormalities in heart function.

It provides valuable insights into the heart's health, helping doctors assess its performance and identify potential issues early. This non-invasive and quick procedure is a critical tool in monitoring heart health and guiding treatment decisions.

Evaluating the heart's overall health

Reasons to record an ECG

  • Identifying the cause of chest pain or a suspected heart attack, including differentiating between STEMI and NSTEMI.
  • Assess potential heart-related issues, including symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheaded-ness, fainting, confusion, weakness, or fatigue.
  • Detect irregular heart rhythms, such as arrhythmias, including symptoms like palpitations, a fast pulse, or to monitor existing cardiac conditions.
  • Evaluate the heart's overall health before major surgeries and for pre- and post-operative assessments to ensure the heart can manage the stress of the procedure.
  • Monitor existing heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or coronary artery disease, and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments like pacemakers or heart medications.
  • Screen for heart disease, especially if you have a family history of the condition.

ECG Interpretation

Types of ECGs

Resting ECG

A resting ECG is conducted while you are lying down and involves attaching up to 12 electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs to monitor your heart's activity at rest.

Exercise ECG

Also known as a Stress Test, monitors your heart's activity while you walk on a treadmill or cycle, or through medication if physical activity isn't possible, to evaluate its performance under stress.

Ambulatory ECG

An ambulatory ECG is also known as Holter Monitoring, is a portable device worn for 24-48 hours or longer to continuously record heart activity, aiding in diagnosing intermittent conditions like atrial fibrillation or palpitations.

Event Monitor

An event monitor is a type of ECG device, similar to a Holter monitor, but it records only during specific times, either automatically or when triggered by the user, and is typically worn for up to 30 days to capture intermittent symptoms.

Implantable Loop Recorder

An implantable loop recorder (IRL) device implanted under the skin to monitor heart activity continuously for up to three years, especially for detecting irregularities missed by standard ECGs or Holter monitors.

Wearable ECG monitors

Wearable ECG monitors, like smartwatches, provide convenient, real-time heart health tracking, empowering users to monitor their cardiac activity and detect potential irregularities on the go.

Standard ECG Procedures

Patient preparation

When preparing your patient for a standard or resting ECG, it is always best to explain the  procedure in order to alleviate some of the anxiety. However, do ask them to wear a top that’s easy to remove, as electrodes will need to be placed on your chest. If you are recording an exercise ECG, ask the patient to avoid heavy meals or caffeine beforehand, as these can influence your heart rate and potentially affect the results. Additionally, it’s important to ask the patient about medications as these could impact the result i.e. beta-blockers.

Explain to the patient that you may need to shave or clip small patches of hair on your chest, arms, or legs to ensure the electrodes adhere properly to their skin. This helps achieve the most accurate readings. If they feel more comfortable having someone else present, they are welcome to have a  chaperone with them during the test. Overall, the process is straightforward and non-invasive, designed to provide valuable insights into your heart’s health.

Non-invasive ECG Procedure

ECG procedure - patient explanation

During a resting ECG, you can tell the patient to expect a straightforward and non-invasive procedure, designed to measure the electrical activity of your heart. To begin, you'll typically ask them to remove clothing from the waist up and that they may be provided with a sheet or gown for modesty. Ask the patient to sit up at about 45 degrees on the trolley or bed, ensuring that they are comfortable and relaxed. Explain that you will attach 10 small, sticky patches onto specific areas onto their chest, arms, and legs. Electrodes are then connected to these which are connected to the ECG machine. Explain to the patient that the procedure is painless and that they do not produce any electricity or cause discomfort.

Once the electrodes are in place, ask the patient to remain still and avoid talking, as any movement can interfere with the accuracy of the results. The ECG machine will then record their  heart's electrical activity, creating a tracing that provides valuable insights into their heart's rhythm and function. The entire process is quick, typically taking only 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Afterward, the electrodes are removed and the patient can resume normal activities. This simple test is a key tool in diagnosing and monitoring various heart conditions.

What to expect after the ECG procedure?

After an ECG

After completing an ECG, the healthcare professional will carefully disconnect the leads and remove the electrodes from your skin. This process is quick and may cause slight discomfort, similar to peeling off a bandage. In some cases, you might notice a mild rash or redness where the electrodes were placed, but this typically resolves on its own without any need for treatment. Once the procedure is finished, you can usually resume your normal daily activities unless your healthcare provider identifies a heart issue that requires immediate attention.

The timing of your ECG results can vary depending on the type of test performed. For standard ECGs, results may be available the same day, while more complex tests, such as those requiring extended monitoring, might take a few weeks to analyze. Your healthcare professional will review the findings with you, explaining what they mean and outlining any necessary next steps. If the results indicate a heart condition, your provider will discuss treatment options or additional tests to ensure your heart health is properly managed.

ECG Training for Healthcare Professionals

Learning for healthcare professionals

Introduction to ECG training

ECG training for healthcare professionals is designed to simplify the process of learning and applying electrocardiography in clinical practice. By mastering ECG interpretation, practitioners can make informed decisions that enhance patient care and safety. The training focuses on building a strong foundation in cardiac anatomy and physiology while equipping learners with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Core concepts and basics

The training begins with an introduction to the basics of ECG, including the cardiac conduction system and the significance of PQRST waves. Participants gain an understanding of cardiac electrophysiology, which forms the basis for interpreting electrical activity in the heart. This foundational knowledge is essential for recognizing normal and abnormal heart rhythms.

12-lead ECG system and interpretation

A key component of ECG training is understanding the 12-lead ECG system, including lead theory and proper electrode placement. Learners are taught to identify normal ECG readings and their variants, as well as to systematically interpret 12-lead ECGs. This structured approach helps in recognizing basic waves, intervals, and segments with confidence.

Recognising pathological conditions

ECG training emphasizes the identification of various pathological conditions. These include heart rate and rhythm disturbances like arrhythmias, heart blocks, and atrial fibrillation, as well as myocardial conditions such as ischemia and infarction (STEMI and NSTEMI). Structural abnormalities like ventricular hypertrophy and congenital heart diseases are also covered, along with other conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and electrolyte imbalances.

Addressing artifacts and errors

Another critical aspect of ECG training is understanding artifacts and errors that can affect the accuracy of ECG tracings. Participants learn to identify and mitigate these issues to ensure reliable readings. This knowledge is vital for avoiding misinterpretations that could lead to incorrect diagnoses or treatment plans.

Practical application and skill development

The training combines theoretical learning with practical application, allowing healthcare professionals to practice ECG interpretation in real-world scenarios. By honing these skills, practitioners are better prepared to recognize critical conditions, respond promptly, and provide high-quality care. This comprehensive approach ensures that ECG training is both effective and impactful in clinical settings.

ECG Training Courses

Practical skills in training

Our ECG training courses also explain the practical elements of the skill-set, this includes:

  • ECG machine setup and operation

    - Setting up an ECG machine and performing accurate 12-lead recordings, plus ensuring proper calibration and troubleshooting common technical issues. This can vary depending on which machine is being used.

  • Electrode placement

    - Properly attaching electrodes to patients to ensure accurate readings and understanding anatomical landmarks for correct lead placement. Incorrect placement of the electrodes can affect the results.

  • ECG interpretation

    - Identifying normal and abnormal ECG patterns and applying systematic approaches to differentiate common arrhythmias. Also learning to recognise life-threatening conditions such as myocardial infarction or ventricular fibrillation. Our course initially teaches a basic approach based on numerical values. However, as the course progresses we will cover more in depth interpretation.

  • Clinical decision-making

    - Making sound clinical decisions based on ECG findings to ensure patient safety. Also, correlating ECG features with clinical presentations for differential diagnosis and immediate management. Remember our mantra " The answer is in the history."

  • Specialised ECG applications (for advanced training)

    - Interpreting ambulatory ECGs (e.g., Holter monitors) and exercise stress tests. Recognising subtle ECG signs and reporting on 12-lead and ambulatory ECGs.

  • Record-keeping and reporting

    - Understanding best practices for documenting and maintaining ECG findings and preparing clear and concise reports for clinical use.

  • Referral and collaboration

    - Knowing when to refer patients to specialists or other healthcare professionals based on ECG results.
    Communicating findings effectively within a multidisciplinary team.