Abnormal EKG Flashcards
Describe the purpose of the delay at the AV node
To optimize ventricular filling
Decribe the plateau during repolarization of the ventricles (ST segment)
Contraction CANNOT occuring during this time
_____1_____ of amoung grouping of EKGs are important because _______2______ across leads can solidify an ______3______.
- Patterns
- Inconsistencies
- Abnormality
_1_ waves tend to be taller in runners due to ___2___ ______3______
- T
- Rapid
- Repolarization
Describe normal sinus rhythm (5)
- Rate 60-100 bpm
- Contains P wave
- QRS for every P wave
- R waves are equidistant
- Contains T wave
Describe sinus arrhythmia (3)
- R waves not equidistant
- More beat to beat variability than normal
- More likely in those with smaller chest walls and narrow AP distance
Describe why it is important that there be beat to beat variability with heart rate.
It indicates that the heart is appropriately adapting to changes in altered thoracic pressure [from breathing]
Describe sinus bradycardia (4)
- Normal in athletes, on beta blockers, with decreased SA node function
- Generally asymptomatic unless pathologic condition exists
- May c/o dizziness, syncope, angina
- Concerning in elderly - decreased contraction force + slow HR = decreased Q, O2 to tissue
Describe sinus tachycardia (3)
- Generally benign, SA node automaticity increased
- T and P wave may be closer together, P wave may be difficult to see
- Pts. asymptomatic
List the causes of sinus tachycardia
- Stress
- Caffeine
- Sleep deprivation
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Over training
- Exercise
- Sickness
Describe sinus exit block (2)
- Block in conduction of impulse from SA node to atria
- Pause equal to 2 complete cardiac cycles
Describe Premature atrial contraction (PAC) (4)
- Ectopic focus in either atria initiates and impulse before the next impulse initiated by the SA node
- P wave less rounded, more peaked, comes faster after the T wave [or may be buried]
- Low frequency = asymptomatic; Increased frequency = a-tach or a-fib may result
- Q not effected b/c presence of P wave allowed time for filling
Describe Atrial Tachycardia (4)
AKA supraventricular tachycardia
- HR 100-200 bpm
- P wave may be difficult to define
- Q compromised if prolonged
- Sx include dizziness, fatigue, SOB
List the causes of atrial tachycardia (4)
- PAC
- Pulmonary HTN
- Altered pH
- COPD
Describe atrial flutter (4)
- Rapid rate due to the firing of an ectopic source in the atria
- Q not compromised unless ventricular rate becomes too high
- Extra P waves that have a saw tooth appearance
- Arrhythmia coming from ONE area
List the causes of atrial flutter (8)
- Mitral valve disease
- CAD
- Infarction
- Stress
- Renal failure
- Pericarditis
- Rheumatic heart disease
- MI
Describe atrial fibrillation (6)
- Erratic quivering of atria
- Multiple ectopic foci
- No true depolarization of atria
- AV node acts to control ventricles
- Can’t make out a P wave - not clear and discernable
- At risk for stroke