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Acute occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCx) frequently causes transmural myocardial infarction without meeting classic STEMI criteria on the standard 12-lead ECG. This article explains why LCx infarctions are often misclassified as NSTEMI, illustrates a typical ECG pattern, and highlights key anatomical and electrophysiological principles that can prevent delayed revascularization. Prehospital ECG - standard leads Prehospital ECG - precordial leads Circumflex

An ICD (Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator) is a life-saving heart device used to treat dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.Many people have heard the term ICD , but find it difficult to understand what it actually does , how it works , and what it’s like to live with an ICD . This article explains what an ICD is and is not , how it works in everyday life, and why some patients need one. ICD What Does ICD Mean? ICD stands for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator . In

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a life-saving cardiac device, yet it is often perceived as complex in everyday clinical practice—particularly when explaining its function to patients. This article provides a clear, practical overview of how ICDs work, how they differ from pacemakers, and how they detect and treat ventricular arrhythmias using anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) and shock therapy. Written for healthcare professionals, the goal is to translate adv

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard during a heart examination. In adults, a new heart murmur may be an early sign of heart valve disease, even in the absence of clear symptoms. This article explains what a heart murmur means, when it should be taken seriously, how it is evaluated with echocardiography, and which treatment options may be considered. What Is a Heart Murmur? When a doctor listens to your heart with a stethoscope, they hear the familiar heart sounds often des

Introduction Electrical storm and incessant ventricular tachycardia are life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias that require rapid, structured, and mechanism-based management. This practical clinical guide outlines a step-by-step approach to the assessment and treatment of electrical storm and incessant VT, based on current ESC, EHRA and AHA/ACC/HRS recommendations and real-world critical care experience. The article is written in collaboration with Dr Njord Nordstrand, Cons

What Is a Pacemaker? A pacemaker is a small electronic medical device implanted under the skin, usually just below the collarbone. Its primary purpose is to help the heart maintain an adequate and regular heart rate when the heart’s own electrical system is too slow or unreliable. Pacemakers are used in patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate) or impaired electrical conduction between the atria (upper chambers) and the ventricles (lower chambers). They are among the most c

Introduction Electrical storm and incessant ventricular tachycardia are among the most challenging conditions in acute cardiology, particularly in patients with structural heart disease and implanted cardiac devices. Rhythm diagnosis and selection of the correct treatment strategy can be difficult, and misclassification of arrhythmia may have serious clinical consequences. This case report describes the clinical course of a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and CRT-D, in w

Are you wondering whether your smartwatch can detect atrial fibrillation (AF) or rythm disorders? Or whether you might actually need an ILR (implantable loop recorder)? This guide gives you a clear, updated overview of what smartwatches can and cannot do when it comes to heart rhythm - and when a Holter monitor, patch monitor or ILR is the right choice. The article is written for patients, but is also relevant for GPs and healthcare professionals. Are ILR useful in assessin