Discover how to use an electrocardiogram (ECG) to diagnose arrhythmias during today’s session “Dysrhythmias and Syncope.”

Although physicians already know about the value of an ECG, this session will remind attendees about ECG’s power when dysrhythmias are present, said Amal Mattu, MD, professor of emergency medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

“The history and physical exam are not accurate at diagnosing arrhythmias,” Dr. Mattu said. “The ECG is usually the definitive test to make the diagnosis and to help determine proper, sometimes lifesaving therapy.”

One area that Dr. Mattu will discuss is arrhythmias associated Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). “These arrhythmias can produce palpitations, chest pain, syncope, and sudden death,” he said. “By analyzing the ECG, the diagnosis of WPW can be properly made, and proper therapy can be administered. If the diagnosis of WPW is missed, a provider could easily administer a medication that would result in rapid decompensation and death.”

The session will use a case-based approach to review advanced dysrhythmia analysis. “Attendees will learn about which conditions they must consider in patients presenting with syncope and how to make the proper diagnosis based on the ECG,” Dr. Mattu said.

Amal Mattu, MD

Dysrhythmias and Syncope
Monday, Oct. 30
1:30-2:20 p.m.
WCC, Room 151A