The degree method of determining axis deviation allows you to identify a patient’s electrical axis by degrees on the hexaxial system, not just by quadrant. To use this method, follow the following steps. Step 1 Identify the lead with the smallest QRS complex or the equiphasic QRS complex. In this example, it is lead III. 
Step 2 Locate the axis for lead III on the hexaxial diagram. Then find the axis perpendicular to it, which is the axis for lead aVR. 
Step 3 Now, examine the QRS complex in lead aVR, noting whether the deflection is positive or negative. As you can see, the QRS complex for this lead is negative. This tells you that the electric current is moving toward the negative pole of aVR, which, on the hexaxial diagram, is in the right lower quadrant at +30 degrees. So the electrical axis here is normal at +30 degrees. 
|