Veterinary Cardiology Quiz

The process of analyzing an electrocardiogram (ECG) in a structured and organized manner.

The rate at which the ECG paper moves, typically 25 mm/sec or 50 mm/sec.

The number of heartbeats per minute.

The normal rhythm of the heart, generated by the sinus node.

Any deviation from the normal heart rhythm.

The ability to determine if the sinus node is controlling the heart's rhythm by analyzing the ECG.

The shape of the QRS complex in the ECG, indicating the electrical activity of the ventricles during contraction.

The standard length of a Bic pen cap-on used to measure the duration of ECG events, corresponding to 3 seconds at 50 mm/sec and 6 seconds at 25 mm/sec.

An irregular heart rhythm caused by rapid, disorganized electrical activity in the atria.

The atria, or the upper chambers of the heart, contract in a chaotic and uncoordinated way.

The lack of a normal, organized P-wave pattern on an EKG.

The ability of the AV node to filter out some of the chaotic atrial signals, preventing every impulse from reaching the ventricles.

Because the AV node acts as a filter, the ventricles receive more regular signals and the QRS complex (ventricular depolarization) remains normal.

Reduced efficiency of the heart's pumping action due to the loss of the atrial kick.

The rapid, irregular heart rhythm associated with A-fib can lead to weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).

Medical antiarrhythmic medications are used to restore a normal heart rhythm in certain cases of A-fib, such as in horses and giant breed dogs.

A heart rhythm originating outside the sinoatrial (SA) node, occurring at an abnormally high or low rate, or creating beats at irregular intervals.

A slower than normal heart rate originating in the SA node.

A faster than normal heart rate originating in the SA node.

A condition where the electrical impulses are delayed or blocked as they pass through the atrioventricular (AV) node, causing slow or irregular heartbeats.

A blockage of electrical signals from the SA node to the ventricles, resulting in a complete lack of ventricular activation.

A condition where the SA node fails to generate a regular heartbeat, leading to irregular and sometimes slow heart rate.

Abnormal heartbeats occurring prematurely in the atria, often causing a noticeable skipped beat.

A rapid heart rhythm originating in the atria or AV junction, often causing palpitations.

A rapid, irregular heartbeat occurring in the atria, causing palpitations.

A type of arrhythmia where abnormal electrical impulses originate from ventricular tissue, leading to premature, wide, and bizarre QRS complexes.

A type of arrhythmia where abnormal electrical impulses originate from ventricular tissue, leading to premature, wide, and bizarre QRS complexes.

A type of arrhythmia where abnormal electrical impulses originate from ventricular tissue, leading to premature, wide, and bizarre QRS complexes.

A heart rate that is slower than normal and the electrical impulses that trigger the heartbeats originate from the ventricles.

The QRS complex in a VPC is typically wide, greater than 0.06 seconds in dogs and 0.04 seconds in cats.

Two consecutive PVCs.

Three consecutive PVCs.

A situation where the QRS complex of a PVC occurs so early that it coincides with the T wave of the preceding beat.

An arrhythmia originating in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart), characterized by a wide and bizarre QRS complex (longer than 0.06 seconds in dogs and 0.04 in cats) and no preceding P-wave.

An irregular heartbeat pattern characterized by a cyclical slowing and speeding of the heart rate, often associated with respiration (speeding on inhale, slowing on exhale).

A normal ECG finding in dogs and fit horses, signifying high vagal (parasympathetic) tone.

A fast heart rate, characteristic of sinus tachycardia, that can be a normal response to high sympathetic tone (stress, fear, excitement, exercise, etc), or certain drugs and conditions.

A heart rhythm characterized by a heart rate that is consistently regular, often seen in patients with high vagal tone.

A heart rhythm that is characterized by a consistent rate, without any fluctuations.

The electrical impulses associated with a heartbeat.

The portion of the ECG that represents the electrical activity of the ventricles during depolarization (contraction).

A type of heart rhythm where the ventricles beat rapidly and irregularly, increasing the risk of sudden death.

A life-threatening cardiac rhythm originating from the ventricles, characterized by 4 or more rapid consecutive ventricular premature contractions (VPCs) exceeding 160 beats per minute in dogs.

A type of ventricular tachycardia where a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) occurs during the vulnerable period of the T wave, increasing the risk of ventricular fibrillation.

A heart rhythm abnormality that could be a sign of a more serious heart condition.

A condition where the heart's ability to pump blood effectively is weakened, often caused by damaged heart muscle.

A single premature ventricular contraction (PVC) that is not followed by additional PVCs or tachycardia, and therefore not considered clinically significant.

A diagnostic test where an ECG is recorded over a 24-hour period to monitor heart rhythm and detect abnormalities.

A group of heart conditions that affect the myocardium (heart muscle) leading to impaired contraction.