Book Review
The ECG made easy, 4thed
John R. Hampton
ISBN: 0 443 045070; 1992; 106 pages; Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh;
Ken Hambrecht
Nursing Education, Epworth Hospital, VIC
Every so often a text is written that becomes a classic in its own right. Such a text is The ECC made easy, which was first published in 1973 and is now into its 4th edition. The book, although being small, presents in five chapters the fundamental information required for novices to readily acquaint themselves with the principles of ECG interpreta tion.
The chapters follow a logical sequence commencing with an overview of relevant anatomy and physiology, linking the electrical activity of the heart to the deflections that correspond on the electrocardiogram. Included in this discussion are the normal intervals and duration of complexes seen on the ECG waveform, along with good descriptions of how to calculate heart rate from the ECG recording and the orientation of leads to the heart.
The second chapter entitled Conduction and its problems, takes the reader on a quick tour of the atrioventricular conduction defects such as 1st, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block and then proceeds to outline the bundle branch blocks. Chapter three concentrates on disturbances in the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat with all the more common disturbances being given attention. The 4th chapter discusses the findings associated with abnormalities of the P, QRS and T waves, with Chapter five being a concise (nine pages) outline of all the indispensable features of the previous four chapters.
The strengths of this text are that it is very easy to read, the text is supplemented by graphic representations of the wiring diagrams of the heart, and clear rhythm strips and ECG recordings depicting the features being discussed, and via repetition and reinforcement, it promotes a logical and systematic approach to the interpretation of the ECG. Due to its simplistic approach and emphasis on the fundamental concepts, this text is an excellent primer for nurses, paramedical and medical staff who wish to gain a quick grasp of the skills in interpreting a rhythm strip or ECG. For nurses who have attended lectures on ECG interpretation, this book will provide an excellent review of the essential information.
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