A shift of the QRS axis to the patient's right, typically between +90 and +180 degrees, is called

A shift of the QRS axis to the patient's right, typically between +90 and +180 degrees, is called

• A. Right Axis Deviation (RAD)
• B. Left Axis Deviation (LAD)
• C. Normal Axis
• D. Indeterminate Axis

Answer: (A)

The QRS axis represents the average direction of ventricular depolarization. When this axis shifts to the right, reaching about +90 to +180 degrees, it is called Right Axis Deviation. This reflects a mean depolarization vector that points more toward the right, which can occur with conditions that stress or enlarge the right ventricle (like RV hypertrophy, COPD, or pulmonary hypertension) or in some individuals as a normal variant. On the ECG, this pattern is typically seen as QRS complexes that are negative in Lead I and positive in inferior leads such as II, III, and aVF, indicating the heart’s depolarization vector is leaning to the right. By contrast, Left Axis Deviation would show a leftward shift with a positive QRS in Lead I and negative in inferior leads, Normal axis stays roughly from -30 to +90 degrees, and Indeterminate Axis is when the axis cannot be determined from the available leads.

The QRS axis represents the average direction of ventricular depolarization. When this axis shifts to the right, reaching about +90 to +180 degrees, it is called Right Axis Deviation. This reflects a mean depolarization vector that points more toward the right, which can occur with conditions that stress or enlarge the right ventricle (like RV hypertrophy, COPD, or pulmonary hypertension) or in some individuals as a normal variant. On the ECG, this pattern is typically seen as QRS complexes that are negative in Lead I and positive in inferior leads such as II, III, and aVF, indicating the heart’s depolarization vector is leaning to the right. By contrast, Left Axis Deviation would show a leftward shift with a positive QRS in Lead I and negative in inferior leads, Normal axis stays roughly from -30 to +90 degrees, and Indeterminate Axis is when the axis cannot be determined from the available leads.