Final answer:
An extreme axis deviation is an abnormal orientation of the heart's electrical axis on an ECG, indicating a deviation beyond the normal range. It can be associated with various cardiac or pulmonary conditions and requires careful analysis and management by a healthcare professional.
Step-by-step explanation:
An extreme axis deviation refers to an abnormal orientation of the heart's electrical axis. It often signifies a deviation beyond the normal range of axis orientation on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Typically, the electrical axis falls between -30° and +90°. When the axis lies outside this range, it is considered an extreme deviation, which could be either left or right depending on the direction of the deviation.
This condition might occur due to various cardiac or pulmonary conditions. For instance, an extreme right axis deviation could be a result of conditions such as chronic lung disease, pulmonary embolism, or right ventricular hypertrophy. An extreme left axis deviation, on the other hand, might indicate conditions like a left anterior fascicular block, left ventricular hypertrophy, or inferior myocardial infarction. Other factors, such as abnormalities in the conduction system or changes in the structure of the heart, could also lead to such deviations.
Diagnosis and interpretation of axis deviation require careful analysis of the ECG by a healthcare professional, and the underlying cause of the deviation must be evaluated to determine suitable management and treatment strategies.