Cardiac Rhythm Identification Flashcards

Cardiac Rhythm Identifications

• Sinus Bradycardia:
  Characterized by a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. Often seen in athletes, can indicate increased vagal tone.

• Normal Sinus Rhythm:
  A heart rhythm originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node with a rate of 60-100 beats per minute. Regular intervals between beats indicate healthy cardiac function.

• Ventricular Fibrillation:
  A life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart quivers instead of pumping blood, leading to a loss of effective circulation. Requires immediate defibrillation.

• Supraventricular Tachycardia:
  An abnormally fast heart rate originating above the ventricles, usually ranging from 150 to 250 beats per minute. Can cause palpitations and symptoms of decreased perfusion.

• Atrial Fibrillation:
  An irregular and often rapid heart rhythm caused by chaotic electrical signals in the atria, leading to inefficient blood flow and increased risk of stroke.

• Second-Degree Atrioventricular Block (Mobitz I Wenckebach):
  A type of heart block where there’s progressive lengthening of PR intervals until a beat is dropped. Often considered benign but requires monitoring.

• Sinus Tachycardia:
  A heart rate over 100 beats per minute originating from the SA node. Can be caused by stress, fever, or anemia; generally indicates an underlying issue.

• Pulseless Electrical Activity:
  A condition where heart rhythm appears normal on an electrocardiogram but fails to produce a palpable pulse. Indicates severe underlying pathology and requires immediate intervention.

• Atrial Flutter:
  A reentrant tachycardia characterized by rapid, organized electrical activity in the atria. May present with a "sawtooth" pattern noticeable on ECG.

• Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block:
  A complete blockage of electrical signals between the atria and ventricles, resulting in dissociation between the two. Typically requires pacemaker intervention.

• Second-Degree Atrioventricular Block (Mobitz II Block):
  More serious than Mobitz I, characterized by dropped beats without prior lengthening of the PR interval. Higher risk of progression to complete heart block.

• Second-Degree Atrioventricular Block (Mobitz II Block):
  Similar to previous Mobitz II block definition, emphasizing the risk of serious arrhythmias. Patients often require monitoring or pacing.

This quiz covers various cardiac rhythms including Sinus Bradycardia, Normal Sinus Rhythm, and Atrial Fibrillation. It is designed to help learners identify and understand different types of heart rhythms. Perfect for medical students and healthcare professionals.