Although not a dangerous finding in and of itself, axis deviation may be an indication of a serious underlying condition. A careful history to elicit acute cardiac injury is therefore of utmost importance.
Is it normal to have right axis deviation?
It can be normal, leftward (left axis deviation, or LAD), rightward (right axis deviation, or RAD) or indeterminate (northwest axis). The QRS axis is the most important to determine. However, the P wave or T wave axis can also be measured.
What does axis deviation on ECG mean?
In electrocardiography, left axis deviation (LAD) is a condition wherein the mean electrical axis of ventricular contraction of the heart lies in a frontal plane direction between −30° and −90°. This is reflected by a QRS complex positive in lead I and negative in leads aVF and II.
What causes right axis deviation of the heart?
When right axis deviation is a new finding, it can be due to an exacerbation of lung disease, a pulmonary embolus, or simply a tachycardia. If right axis deviation is a change from previous ECGs, question the patient for symptoms consistent with an exacerbation of lung disease or a pulmonary embolus.
What is right access deviation?
Right axis deviation occurs when the QRS axis is shifted between 90 and 180 degrees. A number of things can result in right axis deviation which include lung disease, right sided heart strain, right bundle branch block, and right ventricular hypertrophy.
What is extreme right axis deviation?
Extreme right axis deviation (ERAD) is defined as a shift in QRS axis in the frontal plane between +180° and +270° (the so-called “northwest axis” or “no men’s land”); it has already been described in cases of ventricular rhythms, bundle branch blocks or severe right ventricular hypertrophy [11,12].
