Your Step-by-Step Approach to Reading ECGs Confidently
In healthcare, having an approach is everything. Whether it's chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness—there's a structured way to tackle it. The WiZmed ECG Ruler gives you that same structured approach for ECGs—so you never miss a beat.
A pocket-sized ECG ruler designed by medical students and doctors to simplify and systematise ECG interpretation. It breaks every ECG down into 7 easy steps—ensuring you cover everything, every time.
Follow these steps systematically to never miss important findings
Use the top ruler (300-43) to estimate heart rate. Line it up with the R waves—quick and accurate.
💡 Tip: 1 large box = 300 bpm, 2 boxes = 150 bpm, 3 = 100 bpm…
Ask: is the rhythm regular or irregular? Is there a P wave before every QRS?
💡 Tip: Sinus or not? Any dropped beats?
Use the axis quadrant visual to determine normal axis, left/right axis deviation, or extreme axis deviation.
💡 Tip: Line up leads I and aVF, and apply the quadrant rule.
Are the P waves tall, peaked, or bifid? This helps identify right or left atrial enlargement.
💡 Tip: Use the diagram for comparison.
Check T wave direction: Normally inverted in aVR and V1, upright in other leads.
💡 Tip: T-wave inversions can signal ischemia, electrolyte issues, or more.
Use the built-in scale to measure PR (0.12–0.20s), QRS (0.08–0.12s), QTc intervals.
💡 Tip: This helps pick up conduction delays, blocks, and prolonged QT.
Use the ST elevation box to assess for STEMI, pericarditis, or ischemia.
💡 Tip: Compare against the 1 mm and 2 mm markings to assess quickly and accurately.
Let's break down exactly how to use each section on your ECG ruler with a real ECG.
Use this to calculate heart rate by counting the large boxes between R waves. Simply align with consecutive R waves and read the rate directly.
Use the rhythm assessment checklist to systematically evaluate rhythm regularity and P-QRS relationship.
Place the ruler over leads I and aVF to determine whether the axis is normal, left, right, or extreme deviation.
Use the mm scale to quickly measure ST elevation or depression in any lead. Critical for STEMI diagnosis.
Quickly check PR, QRS, and QT intervals using the calibrated scale. Essential for identifying conduction abnormalities.
These are your foundation - get them right first before moving to other steps.
The card is calibrated for 25mm/s paper speed - check this first!
Use the card on every ECG - muscle memory will make you faster and more accurate.
Even if something looks obvious, go through all 7 steps systematically.
Perfect for learning ECG interpretation
Essential for on-call situations
Quick reference for emergency care
Build confidence with structured approach
Walk through all 7 steps in under 2 minutes
Click to watch the complete walkthrough
Ready to simplify ECGs forever?
Only R49. Designed in SA by medical students, for medical students.
👉 Buy now on WiZmed.co.za