7. Interpreting ECGs Flashcards
Where could supra ventricular rhythms arise form?
SA node (sinus)
Ectopic atrium
AV node
What are the characteristics of supra ventricular rhythms?
Conducted into and within ventricles via normal his-purkinje system, so NORMAL ventricular depolarisation will occur with narrow QRS complexes.
What are the characteristics of ventricular rhythms?
Depolarisation takes longer as not via his-purkinje system, widened and bizarre QRS complexes.
What are 3 types of abnormal ventricular rhythms?
- Ventricular premature beats
- Ventricular tachycardia
- Ventricular fibrillation
What would you see on the ECG if an ectopic atrial beat is present?
P wave no perfectly rounded
QRS normal
What would you see on an ECG if there was an AV node beat?
P wave inverted as depolarising away from the apex
QRS normal
What would you see if there was a ventricular ectopic beat?
Widened QRS
RV - upwards
LV - downwards
How can you determine if there is normal sinus rhythm?
If every QRS is preceded by a P wave
What would be visible on an ECG of atrial fibrillation?
No P waves, wavy baseline.
What happens to ventricular depolarisation during atrial fibrillation?
Impulses arrive at AV node at rapid irregular rate, only some conducted to ventricles at irregular intervals.
Ventricles depolarise and contract normally.
Which rhythm abnormality can be described as ‘irregularly irregular’?
Atrial fibrillation
What is a complication of atrial fibrillation?
Stagnant blood in atria can form thrombosis and enter systemic circulation - Stroke
How is CO affected during atrial fibrillation?
Cardiac output remains ok
What are the 3 types of heart block (AV conduction block)?
1st degree
2nd degree- mobitz 1 +2
Third degree - complete heart block
What ECG changes are visible in first degree heart bloc?
PR interval prolonged (> 0.20 seconds)
What happens in first degree heart block?
Slow conduction in AV node and His bundle.