Untitled Quiz

Atrial Flutter

• A type of supraventricular tachycardia characterized by rapid reentrant circuits in the atria.
• Often presents with a "sawtooth" pattern on EKG, typically in the inferior leads (II, III, aVF).

Bundle Branch Block

• A block in the electrical conduction of the heart, often affecting either the left or right bundle branch.
• Results in a widened QRS complex on EKG, indicating a delay in ventricular depolarization.

First Degree AV Block

• Characterized by a prolonged PR interval (>200 ms) on EKG.
• Generally benign and often requires no treatment.

Junctional Rhythm

• Occurs when the AV node or junctional tissue acts as a pacemaker due to failure of the SA node.
• Resulting rhythms are typically characterized by a lack of a P wave or an inverted P wave.

Normal Sinus Rhythm

• Reflects a healthy heart rhythm where impulses originate from the SA node.
• EKG shows a consistent rate of 60-100 beats per minute with a regular rhythm.

Second Degree AV Block, Type 2

• Intermittent failure of conduction through the AV node leading to dropped QRS complexes.
• PR intervals remain constant prior to the dropped beat and may indicate the need for a pacemaker.

Sinus Arrhythmia

• A normal variation in heart rate that occurs with respiration; increases during inhalation and decreases during exhalation.
• Can be easily identified on EKG as a regular variation in heart rate.

Sinus Tachy

• Defined as a sinus rhythm with a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute.
• Potential causes include anxiety, fever, or other physiological stressors.

Sinus Brady

• Defined as a sinus rhythm with a heart rate below 60 beats per minute.
• May be normal in athletes or a response to certain medications, but can signify underlying pathology.

SVT (Supraventricular Tachycardia)

• An umbrella term for various rapid heart rhythms originating above the ventricles.
• Typically presents with rapid, regular heart rates visible on EKG, often requiring intervention.

Torsades de Pointes

• A specific type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia associated with a prolonged QT interval.
• Characterized by a "twisting" pattern of the QRS complexes on EKG.

Third Degree Heart Block (Complete Heart Block)

• Characterized by complete dissociation between atrial and ventricular activities.
• EKG shows independent atrial and ventricular rates, often leading to pacemaker insertion.

V-Fib (Ventricular Fibrillation)

• A lethal arrhythmia characterized by chaotic electrical activity in the ventricles.
• Results in ineffective contractions and requires immediate defibrillation for survival.

A-Fib (Atrial Fibrillation)

• The most common significant arrhythmia leading to an irregularly irregular heart rhythm.
• Increased risk of stroke due to blood stasis in the atria, necessitating anticoagulation therapy.

PACs (Premature Atrial Contractions)

• Early heartbeats originating from the atria, usually benign.
• EKG shows an early P wave that differs in shape from the normal sinus P wave.

PJCs (Premature Junctional Contractions)

• Early contractions that originate in the AV junction, often resulting in a missing or inverted P wave.
• Generally consider benign unless they are frequent.

PVC (Premature Ventricular Contractions)

• Early depolarizations arising from the ventricles, leading to a wide and bizarre QRS complex.
• Frequent PVCs can be indicative of underlying heart disease or irritation.

R-on-T Phenomenon

• A dangerous occurrence where a PVC falls on the T wave of the previous beat, potentially leading to V-Fib.
• Reflects increased myocardial irritability and can be life-threatening.

Sick Sinus Syndrome

• A group of disorders characterized by inappropriate sinus node function, leading to various arrhythmias.
• Symptoms often include bradycardia, tachycardia, or pauses, requiring possible pacemaker intervention.

STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)

• A critical condition characterized by ST-segment elevation on EKG due to significant coronary artery occlusion.
• Requires immediate medical intervention to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage.

V-Tach (Ventricular Tachycardia)

• A rapid heart rate originating from the ventricles, defined as three or more consecutive PVCs.
• Can be life-threatening and may require urgent treatment, such as electrical cardioversion.

Sinus Tachycardia

• Similar to Sinus Tach, it indicates a faster-than-normal heart rate due to physiological factors.
• Can be a response to exercise, anxiety, or metabolic demands on the body.