EKG Heart Rhythm Flashcards

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.

Description

Test your knowledge of EKG heart rhythms with these flashcards. Each card features a specific term related to heart rhythm, helping you understand and memorize critical concepts. Perfect for nursing students or anyone studying cardiology.

EKG Heart Rhythm Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Atrial Flutter?

What is First Degree AV Block?

What is Junctional Rhythm?

What is Normal Sinus Rhythm?

What is Second Degree AV Block, Type 2?

What is Sinus Arrhythmia?

What is Sinus Tach?

What is V-Fib?

What is A-Fib?

What is Asystole?

What is Torsades de Pointes?

What is Ventricular Asystole?

What rhythm is indicated by Sinus Brady?

What is PVC?

What is V-Tach?