12-lead ECG interpretation 2: right ventricular and posterior infarcts.

Some myocardial abnormalities can have serious consequences if not detected, and may negatively affect overall patient outcomes. Right ventricular and posterior myocardial infarction are two types of myocardial injury that may seriously affect the patient's haemodynamics status, but can be recognized easily if appropriate specialized 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) are recorded and analysed. The nurse is best-placed to conduct advanced ECG interpretation, in partnership with medical colleagues, and taking into account the patient's clinical symptoms and cardiac risk factors. This article should be read in conjunction with the first article (Vol 12(21): 1248-55).