Practice Test Geeks(CCS) Certified Cardiovascular Specialist Practice Test
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Cardiac Rhythm Interpretation & ECG Analysis Flashcards

7 cards from real CCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Which ECG finding is most characteristic of a left bundle branch block (LBBB)?

    Answer: QRS >0.12 s with broad monophasic R wave in V5–V6

    LBBB shows a broad, slurred, or notched monophasic R wave in lateral leads (I, aVL, V5–V6) with QRS duration >0.12 seconds and absence of septal Q waves.

  2. What ECG triad is associated with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome?

    Answer: Short PR interval, delta wave, and wide QRS complex

    WPW is characterized by a short PR interval (<0.12 s), a delta wave (slurred initial QRS upstroke), and wide QRS due to ventricular pre-excitation via an accessory pathway.

  3. Atrial flutter typically presents with what atrial rate?

    Answer: 250–350 bpm

    Atrial flutter has a characteristic atrial rate of 250–350 bpm, producing sawtooth-pattern flutter waves most visible in inferior leads (II, III, aVF).

  4. Which ECG change is classically seen early in hyperkalemia?

    Answer: Peaked narrow symmetrical T waves and QRS widening

    Early hyperkalemia produces tall, narrow, peaked (tented) T waves; as potassium rises further, PR prolongation, QRS widening, and eventually a sine wave pattern emerge.

  5. Which ECG finding most strongly supports ventricular tachycardia (VT) over SVT with aberrancy?

    Answer: Wide complex tachycardia with AV dissociation and QRS >0.14 seconds

    AV dissociation (independent P waves and QRS complexes), along with QRS width >0.14 seconds, fusion beats, and capture beats, are hallmark features of ventricular tachycardia.

  6. ST elevation in leads V1–V4 most commonly indicates occlusion of which coronary artery?

    Answer: Left anterior descending artery (LAD)

    Anterior STEMI with ST elevation in V1–V4 is most commonly caused by occlusion of the LAD, which supplies the anterior wall and septum of the left ventricle.

  7. What is the defining ECG appearance of torsades de pointes?

    Answer: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with QRS complexes that appear to twist around the isoelectric baseline

    Torsades de pointes is a polymorphic VT where the QRS complexes progressively shift in axis, appearing to rotate around the isoelectric line, typically occurring in the setting of prolonged QT.