Questions and Answers
What is Atrial Flutter?
What is First Degree AV Block?
What is Junctional Rhythm?
What is Normal Sinus Rhythm?
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What is Second Degree AV Block, Type 2?
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What is Sinus Arrhythmia?
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What is Sinus Tach?
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What is V-Fib?
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What is A-Fib?
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What is Asystole?
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What is Torsades de Pointes?
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What is Ventricular Asystole?
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What rhythm is indicated by Sinus Brady?
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What is PVC?
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What is V-Tach?
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Study Notes
Atrial Flutter
- Characterized by rapid, organized atrial contractions (classic "sawtooth" pattern).
- Commonly occurs in patients with heart disease or thyroid problems.
First Degree AV Block
- Prolonged PR interval; all atrial impulses conduct to ventricles.
- Often asymptomatic, may indicate underlying heart disease.
Junctional Rhythm
- Occurs when the AV node takes over pacing due to SA node failure.
- May be seen in bradycardic patients; rhythm can be regular with inverted P waves.
Normal Sinus Rhythm
- Typical cardiac rhythm originating from the SA node.
- Heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Second Degree AV Block, Type 2
- Progressive blockade of atrial impulses with occasional dropped beats.
- PR intervals remain constant before a non-conducted beat.
Sinus Arrhythmia
- Variation in heart rate with respiration, often seen in young healthy individuals.
- Generally benign and not indicative of heart disease.
Sinus Tachycardia
- Heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute with a regular rhythm.
- Common causes include stress, fever, or hyperthyroidism.
Sinus Bradycardia
- Heart rate below 60 beats per minute; may occur in athletes or during sleep.
- Can be symptomatic in some patients, leading to dizziness or fatigue.
SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)
- Rapid heartbeat originating above the ventricles, often over 150 beats per minute.
- Can be paroxysmal, with episodes that start and stop suddenly.
Torsades de Pointes
- A specific form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia often related to QT interval prolongation.
- Characterized by a twisting pattern of the QRS complexes.
Third Degree Heart Block (Complete Heart Block)
- Complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular contractions.
- Requires urgent intervention such as pacemaker insertion.
V-Fib (Ventricular Fibrillation)
- Chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles; requires immediate defibrillation.
- Causes loss of effective cardiac output leading to sudden cardiac arrest.
PACs (Premature Atrial Complexes)
- Occur when an extra impulse arises from the atria.
- Usually benign, associated with stress or fatigue.
PJCs (Premature Junctional Complexes)
- Occur due to early depolarization from the junctional tissue.
- Often asymptomatic but can indicate irritability of the AV node.
R-on-T Phenomenon
- Occurs when a PVC lands on the T wave of the preceding beat.
- Can lead to dangerous arrhythmias such as V-Tach.
PVC (Premature Ventricular Contraction)
- Early depolarization originating from the ventricles.
- May be isolated or occur in patterns like bigeminy or trigeminy.
Ventricular Tachycardia (V-Tach)
- Characterized by three or more consecutive PVCs at a rate greater than 100 bpm.
- Can be stable or unstable; unstable requires immediate intervention.
Asystole
- Absence of electrical activity and heartbeat; often considered "flatline."
- Requires immediate advanced cardiac life support.
Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia
- Irregular rhythm with multiple different P wave morphologies.
- Often associated with COPD or other pulmonary diseases.
Wandering Atrial Pacemaker
- Atrial pacing site shifts between different foci, creating varied P wave shapes.
- Generally considered benign unless symptomatic.
Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythm
- A ventricular rhythm generally seen after acute myocardial infarction.
- Heart rate is typically between 40 to 100 bpm.
Agonal Rhythm
- A terminal rhythm characterized by extremely slow heartbeats or an irregular pattern.
- Indicates severe cardiac compromise and impending death.
Type I and Type II Second-Degree AV Block
- Type I (Wenckebach): progressive increase in PR interval until a beat is dropped.
- Type II: consistent PR intervals with sudden dropped QRS complexes.
Isolated PVC
- Represents a single premature contraction without any underlying rhythm.
- Can be benign or indicate underlying heart issues depending on frequency.
These notes summarize key points about each heart rhythm for effective study and recall.
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