ECG: Atrial

Question 1

Describe premature atrial contraction

Answer 1

rhythm: underlying, irreg at PAC
rate: underlying
p waves: underlying, PAC is different
PR interval: normal
QRS complex: normal

-one single abnormal does NOT have impact on patient

Question 2

Describe atrial tachycardia

Answer 2

rhythm: regular
rate: 150-250
p waves: may not be visible if rate too fast
PR interval: normal
QRS complex: normal

• common after bypass surgery
• an example of PAT/PSVT meaning it comes and goes

Question 3

Describe atrial flutter

Answer 3

rhythm: regular or irregular
rate: ventricular/ atrial 250-300
p waves: flutterwaves
PR interval: non-discernable
QRS complex: normal

• may have lower BP bc of Starling so CO could also be reduced
• no p waves present

Question 4

Describe atrial fibrillation

Answer 4

rhythm: irregular
rate: varies/ uncontrolled>100/ controlled <100
p waves: absent-fibrillatory waves
PR interval: absent
QRS complex: normal

• check if patient is on anticoagulants
• most common dysrhtymia
• loss of atrial kick= decrease in filling (preload 20%), possible decrease SV, CO, BP