What causes a right axis deviation?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can provide you with an understanding of what causes a right axis deviation (RAD) on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Right axis deviation is a term used to describe a specific pattern on an ECG that indicates the electrical activity of the heart is not oriented as it typically should be. Normally, the electrical impulses that stimulate the heart to contract start in the left ventricle and move from left to right. When this pattern is reversed, and the electrical activity is predominantly from right to left, it is referred to as RAD. There are several conditions that can cause RAD: 1. Lateral Myocardial Infarction: This occurs when the heart muscle in the lateral wall of the left ventricle is damaged due to a lack of oxygen, usually from a blocked coronary artery. The damage can alter the electrical conduction pathways. 2. Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RVH): This is a condition where the muscle of the right ventricle becomes thicker. It can be caused by various factors, including chronic lung disease, congenital heart defects, or pulmonary embolism. 3. Fascicular Block: This is a type of heart block that affects the conduction system within the ventricles. It can lead to RAD if it affects the left posterior fascicle. 4. Pre-excitation Syndrome: This is a condition where there is an abnormal electrical pathway that bypasses the atrioventricular (AV) node, causing the ventricles to be activated prematurely. 5. Other Causes: RAD can also be seen in pericarditis, emphysema, or as a normal variant in some individuals without any underlying heart disease. It's important to note that RAD on its own is not a diagnosis but rather an observation that requires further investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Signs, symptoms and risk factorsSigns and symptomsLateral myocardial infarctionAnxiety Chest pain Fatigue Shortness of breathRight ventricular hypertrophyShortness of breath Dizziness FaintingFascicular BlockLight-headedness Fainting PalpitationsPre-excitation syndromeAsymptomatic1 more row