Questions and Answers
Where do atrial rhythms originate, and what do they do?
They originate in one or more irritable foci in the atria, then depolarize the atria and head down the conduction pathways to the ventricles.
What are ectopic rhythms?
All atrial rhythms and all rhythms that originate in a pacemaker other than the sinus node.
When a single atrial pulse depolarizes the atria, what happens on the EKG?
Writes a P wave on the EKG.
What is the atrium best known for as another pacemaker of the heart?
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What treatment is used when the atria fires off, producing rapid heart rates?
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Are all atrial rhythms fast?
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What criteria must be met to determine if a rhythm is atrial in origin?
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Can atrial rhythms have both positive and negative QRS complexes? How?
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What are the wandering atrial pacemaker (WAP) and multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT)?
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Are WAP and MAT the same rhythm?
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What does a focus do?
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What are the causes of WAP?
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What are the causes of MAP?
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What is the rate, regularity, and characteristics for WAP?
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Study Notes
Atrial Rhythms
- Atrial rhythms originate from irritable foci in the atria, leading to depolarization that travels through conduction pathways to the ventricles.
- Ectopic rhythms encompass all atrial rhythms and any rhythm originating from a pacemaker other than the sinus node.
EKG Representation
- A single atrial pulse results in a visible P wave on the EKG.
- Atrial pacemakers can disrupt the sinus rhythm, often leading to rapid heart rates.
Treatment Approaches
- Treatment focuses on converting the rhythm back to sinus or normalizing the heart rate if conversion is not feasible.
Rhythm Characteristics
- Most atrial rhythms are rapid, although some are slower.
- To determine if a rhythm is of atrial origin, criteria include a matching rate of upright P waves, absence of P waves, varying shapes of P waves, or a heart rate exceeding 130 with possible undetectable P waves.
QRS Complexes
- Atrial rhythms can produce both positive and negative QRS complexes depending on the EKG lead used; for instance, lead II typically shows positive QRS while lead V1 may show negative.
Wondering Atrial Pacemaker (WAP) & Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT)
- WAP and MAT arise from at least three different atrial foci, leading to varying heart rates: WAP is slower and MAT is rapid.
- Both rhythms share identical characteristics aside from their rates.
Foci and Their Function
- A focus generates unique P waves and results in a rhythm that displays at least three different P wave shapes, serving as a central point of impulse generation.
Causes of WAP and MAT
- Causes of WAP include medication side effects, hypoxia, vagal stimulation, and myocardial infarction (MI).
- Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease.
Characteristics and Treatment of WAP and MAT
- WAP features a heart rate of 100, irregular regularity, and at least three distinct shapes of P waves, with some beats potentially lacking visible P waves entirely.
- Interval characteristics include variable PR intervals and QRS complexes, necessitating targeted treatment based on symptoms and underlying causes.
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Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts from chapters 8 and 9 of EKG study material. Explore topics like atrial rhythms, ectopic rhythms, and their implications for heart function. Perfect for students preparing for exams or reviews.