Approximate learning time: 3 Hours

Course Overview

Chest pain is a very common symptom in patients who present to A&E departments, accounting for 20-30% of all presentations. This makes the ability to interpret 12-lead ECGs a fundamental requirement for staff involved in the assessment of patients with chest pain. 

This programme, authored by Charles G Bloe BJN UK Cardiovascular Nurse of the Year 2020, provides an overview of the 12-lead ECGs seen in patients presenting with chest pain and Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The course features interactive eLearning, quizes and case studies.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the term Acute Coronary Syndrome, its pathophysiology, and implications.
• Identify the ECG appearances in Unstable Angina (Acute Myocardial Ischaemia) ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (non-STEMI).
• Identify and be aware of the significance of the following ECG appearances:
  • ST elevation
  • ST depression
  • T wave inversion
  • Pathological Q wave
• Be aware of ECG presentations of occlusive MI without ST elevation.

Acknowledgement: This online training course was funded by an educational grant from Cardinal Health UK 432 Ltd.