Understanding the ECG. Part 10: Pacing, drugs and electrolytes

Over the past nine months, this series has examined the most important topics in ECG . These include cardiac anatomy and physiology, arrhythmias, heart blocks, preexcitation, cardiac axis, chamber enlargement, and myocardial ischaemia (Garcia, 2015). We also discussed many of the key principles of electrocardiography, and emphasised the need for structured approach to ECG evaluation (Gregory, 2006). in such a large subject, there are topics that we have not touched on. Some of these are relevant to cardiac nurses, and some more so. In this last instalment of the series, we address issues that have particular relevance to practitioners caring for cardiac patients. These are  The recognition of cardiac pacing and pacing problems  The ECG in the management of cardiovascular drugs  And the diagnosis of electrolyte disturbances. with previous articles in the series, we will place the ECG in the context of clinical practice, and important aspects of patient management.