Enjoyed the HEARTS approach and practicing applying it to many ECGs.
SUBSCRIBE for Upcoming Course Announcements
SUBSCRIBE for Upcoming Course Announcements
HEARTS is a systematic, evidence-based framework for ECG interpretation developed by Dr. Jesse McLaren, Emergency Physician and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto. The acronym guides clinicians through each step of ECG analysis (Heart rate/rhythm, Electrical intervals, Axis, R-wave progression, Tall/small voltage, and ST/T changes) and then applies ECG interpretation in clinical context. Unlike rote memorization or unreliable pattern recognition, the HEARTS approach builds clinical reasoning, so you understand *why* an ECG looks the way it does — and what to do about it.
This method has been developed into multiple CME-accredited courses for emergency clinicians – whether your want to elevate your overall emergency ECG skills, improve your confidence with arrhythmias, or learn the evidence-based advances to identify false positive STEMI and subtle Occlusion MI. We also have a foundations course if you are newer to emergency ECG interpretation or would like a refresher.
HEARTS courses are live, small-group and highly interactive, based on active learning in a supportive environment. Everyone has equal opportunity to interpret ECGs from real cases, so you can learn through practice. The approach has been published in the International Journal of Emergency Medicine (IJEM) and been part of pre-conference courses for the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP), and the International Conference on Emergency Medicine (ICEM). Our courses are accessible online, or can be organized locally for your group.
Everyone can learn the art and science of ECG interpretation, so our courses are designed for healthcare professionals at every stage of training who want to accurately interpret and apply ECGs in clinical settings. Whether you’re a medical student encountering your first 12-lead, a paramedic managing cardiac emergencies in the field, or an emergency physician who wants to catch subtle occlusion MI patterns that STEMI criteria miss, there’s a HEARTS course for you.
Emergency Physicians, senior residents
HEARTS ACS
HEARTS Arrhythmias
HEARTS Emergencies
MD/RN/EMS Students, Junior Residents
HEARTS Foundation
Paramedics
HEARTS EMS
HEARTS ACS
HEARTS Arrhythmias
Nurse Practitioners
HEARTS Foundation
HEARTS Emergencies
Why Choose the HEARTS ECG Course?
Accurate ECG interpretation is crucial for emergency medicine, but ECGs are challenging and can be anxiety provoking. Most teaching is based on rote memorization, unreliable pattern recognition, or passive learning—none of which builds skills or confidence.
The content of HEARTS courses teaches a systematic method of ECG interpretation that integrates evidence-based advances—so rather than memorizing, you’ll understand the physiological basis of ECG changes, and know how to respond.
The format of HEARTS courses emphasizes active learning, with highly interactive and small group discussions— so you’ll gets to practice, ask questions, and build real confidence in a supportive environment.
Every course also includes a HEARTS ECG Manual, pre- and post-course self-assessments, and real patient cases drawn from Emergency Department practice.
The HEARTS ECG Course is led by Dr. McLaren, who writes the ECG Cases blog, is an associate editor of Dr. Smith’s ECG Blog, and been an invited speaker at the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly.
Courses are taught by Dr. Jesse McLaren and Dr. Mazen El-Baba, both of whom have multiple ECG-related publications and have worked to improve ECG curriculum at the University of Toronto.
Our educational consultant, Dr. Anton Helman, is the host of Emergency Medicine Cases, one of the world’s leading emergency medicine websites and podcasts.
Dr. Jesse McLaren
Dr. Mazen El-Baba
Enjoyed the HEARTS approach and practicing applying it to many ECGs.
Really awesome course, changed the way I look at ECGs. Thank you!
The large number of cases allowed reinforcement of concepts and practice. I also appreciated the small group size.
HEARTS approach was systematic and far better than others that we had been taught.
The HEARTS ECG Course is a comprehensive medical education program designed to provide clinicians with a systematic, evidence-based approach to interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs). Developed by Dr. Jesse McLaren and Dr. Mazen El-Baba, the course aims to move beyond simple pattern recognition to help healthcare providers rapidly diagnose complex cardiac abnormalities and make critical care decisions with confidence.
Dr. McLaren and Dr. El-Baba, Emergency physicians and ECG educators
The courses are primarily online via Zoom. Course are also in-person as pre-conference courses, and can be organized locally for groups upon request (email heartsecgcourse@gmail.com)
There are three CME-accredited courses (ACS, arrhythmia, and Emergencies), and one Foundations course. There are also a Paramedic and Cardiac Tech courses available
Yes, HEARTS Foundation is specifically designed for those who are newer to ECG interpretation or would like a refresher
Yes, there are CME credits for HEARTS ACS, Arrhythmias, and Emergencies