EKG readings

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello, I am not sure if this is the correct forum to post this but I was hoping someone could help me.

I need to know the effects of laying supine, sitting up, and standing have on a 12 lead ekg.

Does anyone have any idea? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and god bless

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Specializes in ED, CTSurg, IVTeam, Oncology.

As the heart is allowed to move into a downward orientation more with standing (from the effects of gravity), there is a slight and overall axis change downward (right), usually more pronounced in tall thin people. This change is really small and usually on the order of the same difference noted with that of respirations (diaphram movement). This only affects the limb leads; the horizontal (chest) leads will not show any difference.

Pregnant or obese people can have their diaphram pushed upwards, thus moving their axis upwards (left).

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Thank you for the information. I appreciate the help

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Cardiac.

Interesting info.

I was wondering that myself once while I was at the ambulance base. Hooked myself on the 12 lead monitor and did EKGs in different positions but didn't see much difference.

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