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.

How do you interpret axis deviation?

ECG Axis Interpretation

Left Axis Deviation = QRS axis less than -30°.
Right Axis Deviation = QRS axis greater than +90°.
Extreme Axis Deviation = QRS axis between -90° and 180° (AKA “Northwest Axis”).

What causes ECG axis deviation?

The pathophysiology depends on the specific cause of right axis deviation. Most causes can be attributed to one of four main mechanisms. These include right ventricular hypertrophy, reduced muscle mass of left ventricle, altered conduction pathways and change in the position of the heart in the chest.

How do you read left axis deviation on ECG?

Left Axis Deviation = QRS axis less than -30°.

Normal Axis = QRS axis between -30° and +90°
Right Axis Deviation = QRS axis greater than +90°
Extreme Axis Deviation = QRS axis between -90° and 180° (AKA “Northwest Axis”)

Is left axis deviation a concern?

Although left axis deviation is often an age-related physiological change1,2,3, it may indicate the presence of various conditions, such as left ventricular hypertrophy4, left anterior fascicular block5, inferior wall myocardial infarction6, emphysema7, and mechanical shift due to elevated diaphragm because of obesity8 …

Is right axis deviation serious?

Although not a dangerous finding in and of itself, axis deviation may be an indication of a serious underlying condition.

What is right axis deviation in ECG?

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.

How serious is right axis deviation?

Is left axis deviation serious?

The abnormal left axis deviation is one of the most common abnormal ECG findings. Among 67,375 Air Force men without symptoms, Hiss and associates found a frontal plane QRS axis of −30 to −90 degrees in 128 (1.9 percent).