Horizontal eos of the heart. What is the electrical axis of the heart and what can be the consequences of deviations from the norm? The concept of “inclination of the electrical axis of the heart”

It is no secret that the heart is constantly working and producing electrical impulses. The place of their formation is the sinus node, from which they normally pass this way:

  1. Atria.
  2. Ventricles.
  3. Bundle of His.

As a result, the movement is an electric vector with strictly designated movement. The electrical axis of the heart represents the projection of the impulse onto the anterior plane, which is in a vertical position.

When the axis is deviated to the left, this means that the patient has left ventricular hypertrophy.

The causes of the disease include:

  1. Hypertension. Especially in cases of frequent increases in blood pressure.
  2. Ischemic diseases.
  3. Chronic heart failure.
  4. Cardiomyopathy. This disease is the growth of the heart muscle in a mass and expansion of its cavities.
  5. Pathology of the aortic valve. They can be congenital or acquired. They provoke blood flow disturbances and LV reloading.

Important! Very often, hypertrophy worsens in people who spend a lot of time on varied sports activities.

The fibers that make up the heart perfectly conduct nervous excitations, and with their multitude they create the cardiac system, where they conduct these nervous excitations.

The initial functioning of the heart muscle begins in the sinus node, with the appearance of nervous excitation. Next, the nerve signal is transported to the ventricular node, which transmits the signal to the His bundle, through which the signal propagates further.

The location of the latter is localized in the septum separating the two ventricles, where it branches into the anterior and posterior legs.

The nerve conduction system is very important for the healthy functioning of the heart, since, thanks to electrical impulses, it sets the normal rhythm of heart contractions, which determines the healthy functioning of the body.

If deviations appear in the signal conduction structure, then significant deviations in the position of the EOS are possible.

Reasons for EOS deviation to the right

When the EOS deviates sharply to the left, this may mean that there are certain diseases, namely LV hypertrophy.

In this condition, the cavity stretches and increases in size. Sometimes this occurs due to overload, but it can also be a consequence of a disease.

In addition to hypertrophy, the main causes of axis deviation to the left are conduction disorders inside the ventricles and during blockades of various types.

Quite often, with such a deviation, blockade of the left leg of His, namely its anterior branch, is diagnosed.

As for the pathological deviation of the heart axis sharply to the right, this may mean that there is RV hypertrophy.

As well as diseases characteristic of LV hypertrophy:

  • cardiac ischemia;
  • chronic heart failure;
  • cardiomyopathy;
  • complete blockade of the left leg of His (posterior branch).

When the electrical axis of the heart is sharply deviated to the right in a newborn, this is considered normal.

We can conclude that the main cause of pathological displacement to the left or right is ventricular hypertrophy.

And the greater the degree of this pathology, the more EOS is rejected. A change in the axis is simply an ECG sign of some disease.

It is important to carry out timely identification of these indications and diseases.

Deviation of the heart axis does not cause any symptoms; symptoms manifest themselves from hypertrophy, which disrupts the hemodynamics of the heart. The main symptoms are headaches, chest pain, swelling of the limbs and face, suffocation and shortness of breath.

If cardiac symptoms occur, you should immediately undergo electrocardiography.

The deviation of the axis to the right is fixed when it passes between 90 - 180º. This shift can be caused by:

  1. Damage to the pancreas by infarction.
  2. The simultaneous occurrence of coronary artery disease and hypertension - they deplete the heart with a vengeance and provoke failure.
  3. Pulmonary diseases of a chronic nature.
  4. Incorrect passage of electrical impulses along the right branch of the His bundle.
  5. Pulmonary emphysema.
  6. Severe strain on the pancreas caused by obstruction of the pulmonary artery.
  7. Dextrocardia.
  8. Mitral heart disease, which provokes pulmonary hypertension and stimulates the work of the pancreas.
  9. A thrombotic block of blood flow in the lungs, which causes a deficiency of the organ in the blood and overloads the entire right side of the heart.

Because of these pathologies, the specialist determines on electrocardiography that the EOS is deviated to the right.

Correct placement of EOS in children

Babies have a strong axis deviation to the right side, which during the first year of life turns into a vertical plane. This situation has a physiological explanation: the right side of the heart “overtakes” the left in weight and production of electrical impulses. The transition of the axis to normal is associated with the development of the LV.

Children's EOS standards:

  • Up to a year - the passage of the axis is between 90 - 170 degrees.
  • From one to three years - vertical EOS.
  • 6-16 – stabilization of indicators to adult standards.

Determination of ECG signs

Legal form. This is the position at which the axis is within the range of 70-900.

On the ECG this is expressed as tall R waves in the QRS complex. In this case, the R wave in lead III exceeds the wave in lead II. In lead I there is an RS complex, in which S has a greater depth than the height of R.

Levogram. In this case, the position of the alpha angle is within the range of 0-500. The ECG shows that in standard lead I the QRS complex is expressed as R-type, and in lead III its form is S-type. The S wave has a depth greater than the height R.

With blockade of the posterior branch of the left leg of His, the alpha angle has a value greater than 900. On the ECG, the duration of the QRS complex may be slightly increased. There is a deep S wave (aVL, V6) and a high R wave (III, aVF).

With blockade of the anterior branch of the left leg of His, the values ​​will be from -300 or more. On the ECG, signs of this are a late R wave (lead aVR). Leads V1 and V2 may have a small r wave. In this case, the QRS complex is not expanded, and the amplitude of its waves is not changed.

Blockade of the anterior and posterior branches of the left leg of His (complete block) - in this case, the electrical axis is sharply deviated to the left and can be located horizontally. On the ECG in the QRS complex (leads I, aVL, V5, V6), the R wave is widened and its apex is jagged. Near the high R wave there is a negative T wave.

It should be concluded that the electrical axis of the heart can be moderately deviated. If the deviation is sharp, then this may mean the presence of serious cardiac diseases.

Determination of these diseases begins with an ECG, and then methods such as echocardiography, radiography, and coronary angiography are prescribed. An ECG with stress and 24-hour Holter monitoring can also be performed.

How to recognize EOS deviation to the right and left

Axis deviation to the right

It is detected if the average electrical axis of the QRS complex is 100° or more. Remember that with high R waves of equal amplitude in leads II and III, the axis angle should be 90°.

An approximate rule indicates an axis deviation to the right if there are high R waves in leads II and III, and the R wave in lead III exceeds the R wave in lead II. In addition, an RS-type complex is formed in lead I, where the depth of the S wave is greater than the height of the R wave (see.

The cardiovascular system is a vital organic mechanism that provides various functions. For diagnosis, various indicators are used, the deviation of which may indicate the presence of a pathological process. One of them is a deviation of the electrical axis, which can indicate various diseases.

The electrical axis of the heart (EOS) is an indicator that reflects the nature of the flow of electrical processes in the heart muscle. This definition is widely used in the cardiological field, especially in cases. The electrical axis reflects the electrodynamic abilities of the heart, and is almost identical to the anatomical axis.

Determination of EOS is possible due to the presence of a conducting system. It consists of areas of tissue, the components of which are atypical muscle fibers. Their distinctive feature is enhanced innervation, which is necessary to ensure synchronization of the heartbeat.

The type of heartbeat of a healthy person is called, since it is in the sinus node that a nerve impulse arises, which causes compression of the myocardium. Subsequently, the impulse moves along the atrioventricular node, with further penetration into the His bundle. This element of the conduction system has several branches into which the nerve signal passes, depending on the heartbeat cycle.

Normally, the mass of the left ventricle of the heart exceeds the right. This is due to the fact that this organ is responsible for the release of blood into the arteries, which is why the muscle is much more powerful. Due to this, the nerve impulses in this area are also much stronger, which explains the natural location of the heart.

The position axis can vary from 0 to 90 degrees. In this case, the indicator from 0 to 30 degrees is called horizontal, and the position from 70 to 90 degrees is considered the vertical position of the EOS.

The nature of the position depends on individual physiological characteristics, in particular body structure. Vertical OES most often occurs in people who are tall and have an asthenic body constitution. The horizontal position is more typical for short people with a wide chest.

2015-08-28 09:09:20

Marina asks:

Hello! I am 24 years old and have been involved in active sports before. The ECG results alarmed me, according to the ECG: 81 beats per minute; Horizontal position of EOS: 5 degrees; Changes in the myocardium in the anteroseptal region of the left ventricle (to differentiate metabolic disorders from coronary circulation disorders).

Answers Bugaev Mikhail Valentinovich:

Hello. I don’t think that at the age of 24 you can have coronary circulation disorders, unless it’s a congenital anomaly of the heart vessels. I don’t see anything wrong with the results described.

2015-04-15 10:07:16

Alexandra asks:

Good afternoon I'm pregnant, 33 weeks. I did an ECG. Here is the result.
The rhythm is ectopic lower atrial, regular, heart rate 78. Horizontal position of the EOS. AV block 1st degree. Signs of left ventricular hypertrophy. Slightly pronounced changes in the myocardium in the anteroseptal region, upper and lower walls of the left ventricle.
This is serious? Can I give birth myself and in a regular maternity hospital? Thank you for your reply.

Answers Bugaev Mikhail Valentinovich:

Hello. So far I don’t see anything that requires intervention. But I would also do an ultrasound of the heart and daily Holter ECG monitoring. Do you have any complaints? Are there any loss of consciousness or fainting states? What PQ interval did you intend?

2014-06-08 13:08:00

Asks Zharikova Victoria:

The patient is 51 years old, 14 years old, has type 2 diabetes, moderate severity in the decompensation stage. He stated that he had experienced deep emotional stress and provided an ECG cardiogram: sinus rhythm, heart rate 69 per minute, horizontal position of the EOS. Do you have heart problems - warning signs of a heart attack or stroke? Did emotional experience have an impact?

Answers Bugaev Mikhail Valentinovich:

Hello. Based on this “description” of the ECG, it is impossible to say anything about possible heart problems; everything described is normal. But this doesn't mean anything. The very fact of having diabetes is a risk factor for coronary artery disease and other vascular problems. You need to see a competent doctor.

2013-12-15 17:29:02

Aizhan asks:

Hello! On the ECG I was diagnosed with the following: sinus rhythm, GSS - 7561, horizontal position of the EOS. PQ 0.14 QRS 0.08 Q-T 0.34 R-R 0.80 Heart rate 7561 per 1 min. R>R>R
I II III
Transition zone V 3 Voltage is normal. What does this mean? What does this mean? I am 40 years old. Weight 52 kg. No thyroid diseases, normal sugar levels, chronic pyelonephritis since 1999. Thanks in advance.

2013-11-02 08:46:56

Natalya asks:

Good afternoon, I am 37 years old and have frequent pain in my heart. I did an ECG. Sinus tachycardia with a heart rate of 92 beats per minute. Horizontal position of the EOS. Insufficient growth of the R wave in V1-V4. There is no evidence of acute focal pathology.

2012-10-12 10:50:25

Oksana asks:

Hello, my husband had an ECG of the heart and this is the conclusion: sinus rhythm with a heart rate of 86/min, horizontal position of the EOS, focal changes on the posterior wall of the left ventricle! what does this mean, and can this affect his work? works as a fireman!!! Thanks for the answer

2011-07-17 00:03:44

Faith asks:

Good day! Our close male relative, 45 years old, recently had an ECG,
How can I determine if there is hyperkalemia using an ECG? Please determine whether it is or not,
Here is the result of the ECG
HERE is the result of the ECG,

Rhythm: sinus, regular;
HR-66;
EOS position: 11 horizontal (N+0-29 degrees)
PQ Duration: 154
QRS: 92
QT/QT corr: 448
T waves: + in 1.2,AVF.V2-V6;T1>T3 -N
Rhythm disturbance: not detected

NOTE: SV2+RV5=3.96
CONCLUSION: Sinus rhythm, regular. Horizontal position of the EOS. Signs of LV hypertrophy

Answers Bugaev Mikhail Valentinovich:

Hello. It is impossible to reliably determine the potassium content in the blood using an ECG (especially without seeing the film). You just need to go and take a blood test to determine your blood electrolyte levels. QT is a bit long.

2010-06-08 14:39:38

Irina asks:

Good afternoon Please decipher the results of the ECG, I am 19 years old, height 163, weight 68. Sinus rhythm, horizontal position of the EOS, diffuse changes in the myocardium, pain expressed in the anteroseptal region of the left ventricle. Measurement results: HR 86 beats\min, QRS 94, QT\QTcB 388\464, PQ 164, P 110, RR\PP 698\685, P\QRS\T 70\5\40, QTD\QTcBD 78\93, Sokolov 1.9, NK 12

2009-09-02 15:29:19

Lolita Shemetova asks:

Hello! My husband is 55 years old. In August of this year, he was examined in the department of invasive cardiology and angiology of the N.A. Semashko Clinical Hospital in Simferopol, where he was given the CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS:
Myocardiofibrosis. Sick sinoantrial node syndrome. Transient SA blockade, stage II. Paroxysmal form of atrial fibrillation; group supraventricular extrasystole; unsustained atrial tachycardia. CH I st.

RELATED: Gastric ulcer, remission.

Laboratory results:
12
GENERAL BLOOD ANALYSIS: Er. - 4.0 x 10 /l; Hb - 131 g/l; CPU-0.98;
9 9
Leu - 7.3x10 /l; Platelets - 250x10 /l; ESR - 12mm/h; e - 2%, p - 1%, s - 60%, l - 29%, m - 8%, Hematocrit - 0.42.
BIOCHEMICAL BLOOD TEST: Glucose - 3.8 mm/l; Total bilirubin - 15.0 mm/l; straight - 5.0 mm/l; indirect - 10.0 mm/l; Urea - 5.7 mmol/l; Urea nitrogen - 2.6 mmol/l;
Sodium - 136 mmol/l; Potassium - 3.85 mmol/l; Creatinine - 0.10 mmol/l; AST - 0.61 mmol/l; ALT - 0.44 mmol/l; Cholesterol - 6.0 mmol/l.
COAGULOGRAM:
Prothrombin index - 100%, fibrinogen A - 2.2 g/l,
fibrinogen B - 0 g/l; recalcification time - 1 minute; fibrin - 10 mg; Thrombotest - VI stage; Time St. according to Lee-White - 8 min. 34 sec; Ethanol test - 0.

GENERAL URINE ANALYSIS: Color - yellow; Relative density - 1020; Reaction - sour; Protein - not detected; Glucose - negative; Epithelium - 0-1 in the field of vision, transition - 0-1 in the field of view; Leukocytes - units in p/zr; Red blood cells - 0--1 in p/z.

BLOOD GROUP: O (1) RH: positive.

RW dated 08/18/2009

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM dated August 17, 2009: Sinus rhythm. Horizontal position of the EOS. Group supraventricular extrasystole.

RG OGK No. 334 dated August 11, 2009: No focal or infiltrative shadows were identified. The roots are wide and dense. The heart is slightly enlarged due to the left ventricle, the aorta is elongated.

Heart ultrasound dated August 11, 2009: LA - 3.6 cm; LV EDR - 6.2 cm; LV ESD - 4.4 cm; LV ZS - 0.9 cm; IVS - 1.0 cm; Ejection fraction - 55%; RV - 3.6 cm.

Conclusion: Congenital compacted accessory chord in the LV cavity. Dilatation of the left ventricle, volume overload at the time of examination, eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle, myocardial factor is normal. Systolic and diastolic function were not changed. Septal fibrosis, fibrosis of the ring, walls of the non-expanded aortic root. Thrombus, non-classical anterior mitral and septal leaflet of the tricuspid valve, without obvious regurgitation. There is no pulmonary hypertension. The right sections are intact.

HM ECG dated 08/17/2009: Sinus rhythm alternates with frequent episodes of flutter - atrial fibrillation and unstable atrial tachycardia. Frequent episodes of SA - stage II blockade with a maximum pause of 1900 msec.

CORONAROGRAPHY from 08/17/2009: Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. No hemodynamically significant lesions of the coronary arteries were detected.

Treatment was carried out: sotohexal, ipatone, magne I6, kymacef + physical solution, afobazole.

DISCHARGE CONDITION: Satisfactory. No complaints.
Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Observation by a cardiologist at the place of residence.
2. Sotohexal 40 mg 2 times a day.
3. Ipaton 0.25 g 2 times a day.
4. Magne B6 - 1 t 2 times a day.
5. Afobazole 1 t 3 times a day - 1 month.
6. Bilobil 1 caps 3 times a day - 1 month.
7. Vestibo 16 mg 3 times a day - 1 month.
8. Repeat Holter monitoring after 1.5 - 2 months
subsequent consultation in the department of invasive cardiology and
angiology.

Sorry for such an extensive description, I don’t know if it’s appropriate.

The clinic’s specialists recommended that we prepare for the fact that my husband would have to have a pacemaker installed.
I in no way question their recommendations, but I would like to hear the opinions of other specialists, how necessary is this and are there other methods of treatment for this diagnosis? And if you are going to install a pacemaker, which of the two-chamber models is better to give preference to in order to be able to lead a full-fledged lifestyle that does not exclude physical activity, active recreation, etc.
In Simferopol they offer pacemakers "Rhapsody" and "Symphony" made in France. But, they say, there are also more expensive models of pacemakers that are more multifunctional. What benefits do they provide?

I would be grateful and sincerely grateful for your answer.

Answers Selyuk Maryana Nikolaevna:

Good afternoon, Lolita
As for pacemakers, it is necessary, first of all, to decide whether it will be single-chamber or dual-chamber. Single-chamber pacemakers are a medical device that can affect and generate only one chamber of the heart (atrium or ventricle). Such pacemakers are the most simplified. The device can be frequency-controlled, in other words, it mechanically improves the frequency during physical exercise and without frequency regulation, that is, it continuously generates at the set frequency. Nowadays, single-chamber pacemakers are used in the generation of the right ventricle in chronic atrial fibrillation, and in addition in the generation of the right atrium in sick sinus syndrome (SSNS). For other indicators, a two-chamber pacemaker is used (often also used for SSSS syndrome).
There are a huge number of both single- and double-chamber ones. Sometimes they differ only in price. But this question will be better answered by the cardiac surgeon who is examining your husband specifically (it is necessary to take into account a number of absolutely specific parameters of both your husband and one should rely on the clinical experience of the cardiac surgeon with certain pacemakers and the ability to perform this or that operation). But, you should pay attention to the indicators that I have highlighted in bold. With such cholesterol, the disease progresses quite quickly... Low sugar levels are also not a good indicator. And the PTI indicator is high for your case. And the main thing - the phrase upon discharge - the condition is satisfactory, there are no complaints. So, all of the above stopped occurring (i.e., a cure occurred), or was the patient simply tired of complaining......?

The figure below shows the six-axis Bailey lead system, which shows the red vector electrical axis of the heart located horizontally (angle α=0..+30°). The dotted line marks the projections of the e.o.s. vector. on the lead axis. Explanations for the figure are given in the table below.

On the "Automatic detection of EOS" page, a specially developed script will help you determine the location of the EOS based on ECG data from any two different leads.

Signs of horizontal position of the electrical axis of the heart

Lead Amplitude and shape of the tooth
Standard lead I E.o.s. is maximally parallel to lead I of all standard leads, therefore the projection of the e.o.s. on the axis of this lead will be the greatest, therefore, the amplitude of the R wave in this lead will be the maximum of all standard leads:

R I >R II >R III

Standard lead II E.o.s. is located in relation to axis II of the standard lead at an angle of 30..60°, therefore the amplitude of the R wave in this lead will be intermediate:

R I >R II >R III

Standard lead III Projection e.o.s. on axis III of the standard lead is as close as possible to the perpendicular, but still somewhat different from it, therefore, a small predominant negative wave will be recorded in this lead (since the e.o.s. is projected onto the negative part of the lead):

S III >R III

Enhanced lead aVR The enhanced lead aVR is located towards the e.o.s. the most parallel of all reinforced leads, while the e.o.s. vector is projected onto the negative part of this lead, therefore, in lead aVR a negative wave of the maximum amplitude of all enhanced leads will be recorded, approximately equal to the amplitude of the R wave in standard lead I:

S aVR ≈R I

Enhanced lead aVL E.o.s. is located in the area of ​​the bisector of the angle formed by the standard lead II (positive half) and the enhanced lead aVL (positive half), hence the projection of the e.o.s. on the axis of these leads will be approximately the same:

R aVL ≈R II

Enhanced lead aVF The axis of the heart is vaguely perpendicular to lead aVF and is projected onto the positive part of the axis of this lead, therefore a small predominant positive wave will be recorded in this lead:

R aVF >S aVF


Signs of horizontal position of e.o.s. ( angle α=0°)

Lead Amplitude and shape of the tooth
Standard lead I E.O.S direction coincides with the location of axis I of the standard lead and is projected onto its positive part. Therefore, the positive R wave has the maximum amplitude among all limb leads:

R I =max>R II >R III

Standard lead II E.o.s. identically located in relation to standard leads II and III: at an angle of 60° and projected onto the positive half of lead II and the negative half of the axis of lead III:

R I >R II >R III ; S III >R III

Standard lead III
Enhanced lead aVR E.o.s. identically located in relation to the enhanced leads aVR and aVL: at an angle of 30° and is projected onto the negative half of lead aVR and the positive half of aVL:

S aVR =R aVL

Enhanced lead aVL
Enhanced lead aVF Projection e.o.s. on the axis of the enhanced lead aVF is equal to zero (since the e.o.s. vector is perpendicular to this lead) - the amplitude of the positive R wave is equal to the amplitude of the negative S wave:

R aVF =S aVF

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The electrical axis of the heart (EOS) is a concept that implies the activity of conducting nerve excitations synthesized and executed in the heart.

This indicator is characterized by the sum of the conduction of electrical signals through the cavities of the heart that occurs during any contraction of the heart tissue.

The electrical axis of the heart is one of the characteristics determined on an ECG. To make a diagnosis, additional hardware tests are necessary.

During an electrocardiogram study, the device records nerve excitations emitted by different parts of the heart by applying electrocardiograph sensors to different parts of the chest.

To calculate the direction of the EOS, doctors use a coordinate system, comparing the location of the heart with it. Due to the projection of electrodes onto it, the EOS angle is calculated.

In places where the zone of the heart muscle in which the electrode is installed emits stronger nerve excitations, that is where the EOS angle is located.

Why is the normal conduction of electrical excitations of the heart so important?

The fibers that make up the heart perfectly conduct nervous excitations, and with their multitude they create the cardiac system, where they conduct these nervous excitations.

The initial functioning of the heart muscle begins in the sinus node, with the appearance of nervous excitation. Next, the nerve signal is transported to the ventricular node, which transmits the signal to the His bundle, through which the signal propagates further.

The location of the latter is localized in the septum separating the two ventricles, where it branches into the anterior and posterior legs.

The nerve conduction system is very important for the healthy functioning of the heart, since, thanks to electrical impulses, it sets the normal rhythm of heart contractions, which determines the healthy functioning of the body.

If deviations appear in the signal conduction structure, then significant deviations in the position of the EOS are possible.

How is the electrical axis of the heart determined?

It is up to the attending physician to identify the location of the EOS, deciphering the ECG, using diagrams and tables, and finding the alpha angle.

This angle is formed from two straight lines. One of them is the 1st lead axis, and the second is the vector line of the electrical axis of the heart.

Location features include:

NormalIf the angle is within plus thirty - plus sixty nine, then this indicates normal indicators of the electrical axis of the heart
Vertical EOSRegistered when determining the axis within seventy to ninety degrees
HorizontalWhen the angle is between zero and thirty degrees
Shift leftThe position of the ventricle is located within the angle from zero to minus ninety degrees
Offset rightIt is registered when the ventricular position indicators range from ninety-one to one hundred and eighty.

Another way to identify the electrical axis of the heart is to compare QRS complexes, the main task of which is the synthesis of nerve excitations and contraction of the ventricles.

The definition indicators are given below:

NormalWith such indicators of the electrical axis, the R-wave of the second lead is larger than the R-wave in the first lead, and the similar wave of the third branch is smaller than in the first. (R2>R1>R3)
Left deviationIf the normal position of the electrical axis to the left is violated, the R-wave of the first compartment is recorded - the largest, and the second and third, respectively, smaller. (R1>R2>R3)
Right deviationViolation of the electrical axis of the heart to the right side is characterized by the largest third R-wave, and a corresponding decrease in the second and first. (R1

To accurately determine the height of the teeth, if they are at approximately the same level, use the following method:

  • Determine QRS complexes in leads 1 and 3;
  • The height of the R-waves of the 1st lead is summed up;
  • A similar operation is performed with the R-waves of the 3rd lead;
  • The resulting sums are inserted into a specific table, and the place where the data joins is identified, corresponding to a certain corner radius. Having identified normal alpha angle values, you can easily determine the location of the EOS.

You can also determine the position of the electrical axis using a pencil. This method is not accurate enough, and is used in many cases by students.

To determine in this way, apply the back of a pencil to the results of the electrocardiogram in the places of three leads and determine the highest R-wave.

After this, the sharp side of the pencil is directed to the R-wave, to the lead where it is largest.

Normal EOS indicators

The boundaries of normal levels of the electrical axis of the heart are determined by studying the electrocardiogram.

In weight ratio, the right ventricle is larger than the left. Therefore, in the latter, nervous excitations are much stronger, which directs EOS towards it.

If you compare the heart with the coordinate system, then its position will be in the range from thirty to seventy degrees.

This location is normal for the axis. But its position can vary from zero to ninety degrees, which varies from the personal parameters of the human body:

  • Horizontal. In most cases, it is registered in people of short stature, but with a wide sternum;
  • Vertical. It is predominantly registered in people of tall stature but thin build.

When fixing the electrical axis of the heart, the above-described positions are rarely observed. Semi-horizontal and semi-vertical axis positions are recorded in the majority of cases.

All of the above locations are normal indicators. Rotations of the heart as projected onto the coordinate system will help determine the location of the heart and diagnose possible diseases.

The results of the electrocardiogram may record rotations of the EOS around the coordinate axis, which may be normal. Such cases are considered individually, depending on the patient’s symptoms, condition, complaints and the results of other examinations.

Violations of the norm indicators are deviations to the left or right.

Normal indicators in children

For infants, a clear axis shift is noted on the ECG; during growth, it normalizes. For the period of one year from birth, the indicator is usually located vertically. Normalization of the position is characterized by enlargement and development of the left ventricle.

In children of school and preschool age, the normal electrical axis of the heart predominates; vertical and very rarely horizontal are also found.

Standards for children:

  • Infants - from ninety to one hundred and seventy degrees;
  • Children from one to three years old - vertical position of the axis;
  • Adolescent children – normal axis position.

For what purpose is EOS determined?

The disease is not diagnosed based on the displacement of the electrical axis of the heart alone. This factor is one of the parameters on the basis of which abnormalities in the body can be diagnosed.

In certain pathologies, axis deviation is most characteristic.

These include:

  • Insufficient blood supply to the heart;
  • Primary damage to the heart muscle, not associated with inflammatory, tumor, ischemic lesions;
  • Heart failure;
  • Heart defects.


What does EOS shift to the right mean?

Complete blockade of the posterior branch of the His bundle also leads to disruption of the electrical axis to the right. If a right-sided displacement is registered, a pathological increase in the size of the right ventricle, which is responsible for supplying blood to the lungs for oxygen saturation, is possible.

This disease is caused by narrowing of the pulmonary artery and tricuspid valve insufficiency.

Pathological growth of the right ventricle occurs with ischemia and/or heart failure, and other diseases that do not occur under the influence of inflammatory and ischemic processes.


What does EOS shift to the left mean?

When determining the displacement of the electrical axis to the left side, it may indicate a pathological enlargement of the left ventricle, as well as its overload.

This pathological condition, in most cases, is provoked by the following influencing factors:

  • Persistent increase in blood pressure, which causes the ventricle to contract much more strongly. This process leads to the fact that it grows in weight and, accordingly, in size;
  • Ischemic attacks;
  • Heart failure;
  • Primary heart lesions, not associated with ischemic and inflammatory processes;
  • Left ventricular valve damage. It is caused by a narrowing of the largest vessel in the human body - the aorta, in which the normal ejection of blood from the left ventricle is disrupted, and insufficiency of its valve, when some part of the blood is thrown back into the left ventricle;
  • For people involved in sports at a professional level. In this case, you need to consult a sports doctor about further sports activities.

Violation of the normal boundaries of the electrical axis can be either a congenital indicator or an acquired one. In most situations, heart defects are consequences of fever caused by rheumatism.

Also, displacements of the electrical axis to the left side can appear when the conduction of nerve excitations inside the ventricles is shifted, and the anterior bundle branch block is blocked.


Symptoms

A separate displacement of the EOS does not entail any symptoms. But since it occurs as a consequence of some pathological condition, the symptoms correspond to the disease present in the body.

The most common symptoms are:


If you detect the slightest symptoms, you should consult a cardiologist. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment can save the patient's life.

Diagnostics

To diagnose diseases associated with a violation of the electrical axis of the heart, it is necessary to conduct several hardware studies, in addition to an ECG, to confirm the diagnosis.

These include:

  • Ultrasound examination (ultrasound). It is a method that provides a large amount of information about the condition of the heart, in which structural abnormalities in the heart can be determined. During this examination, a visual picture of the condition of the heart is displayed on the screen, which will help diagnose enlargement. The method is safe and painless, which makes it accessible to any category of people, including infants and pregnant women;
  • Daily electrocardiogram. Allows you to determine the slightest disturbances in the functioning of the heart using an electrocardiograph throughout the day;
  • MRI of the heart– is a very complex type of safe research and is very effective. Many people mistakenly think that it is associated with ionizing radiation, but this is not the case. The basis of MRI is a magnetic field, as well as radiofrequency pulses. During the examination, the patient is placed in a special device - a tomograph;
  • Load tests (treadmill, bicycle ergometry). A treadmill is a test performed while exercising on a special type of treadmill. A bicycle ergometer is a similar test method, but using a special bicycle;
  • X-ray of the sternum. When carrying out this research method, the patient is irradiated with x-rays. The results help determine heart enlargement;
  • Coronography.

    The choice of research method belongs to the attending physician, depending on the patient’s complaints and symptoms.

    Treatment

    All the diseases listed in this article can be diagnosed by just one violation of the electrical axis. If displacement is detected, it is necessary to consult a cardiologist and conduct additional studies.

    Registration of a violation in one direction or another does not require treatment.

    It normalizes after the initial pathological condition is eliminated. And only by eliminating it will the electrical axis indicators return to normal.

    What could be the consequences?

    The onset of complications depends on the disease that provoked the deviation of the electrical axis.

    Due to insufficient blood supply to the heart (ischemia), the following complications can progress:

    • Tachycardia. A pathological increase in heart rate occurs when the myocardium does not have enough blood volume to function healthy, which it tries to compensate for in a large number of contractions;
    • Death of heart tissue. The progression of a heart attack as a result of prolonged oxygen starvation, provoked by insufficient blood supplies to the heart, is inevitable;
    • Failure of circulation in the body. Against the background of circulatory failures in the body, blood stagnation, tissue death of vital organs, gangrene and other irreversible complications may progress;
    • Violation of the heart structure;
    • Fatal outcome. Extensive myocardial infarction and other serious complications can lead to rapid death.

    To prevent the development of severe complications and to prevent possible unexpected death, if symptoms are detected, you should immediately go to the hospital.

    Examinations will help doctors correctly diagnose the disease and prescribe effective therapy or surgery.



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