FPC: EKG interpretation Flashcards
What is the general naming system for arrhythmia?
The first word is the location and the second is the type of arrhythmia
In sinus arrhythmia, what effect does inspiration have on heart rate?
Increases it
What effect does expiration have on heart rate?
Decreases it
Describe sinus arrhythmia.
The diaphragm contracts, negative intrathoracic pressure pulls air into the lungs, lowering arterial pressure, activating baroreceptors, and decreasing vagal input to the SA node
What does a Valsalva maneuver do?
Activates the vagus nerve to slow heart rate and break up tachyarrhythmia
What is a benefit of sinus arrhythmia?
It maximizes blood flow during maximum oxygenation
What arrhythmia is common in young athletes?
Sinus arrhythmia
What extra heart sound can occur with hypertension?
S4
What will the P wave look like in the right atrium in an instance of hypertrophy/enlargement?
Greater than 2.5 mm tall in lead II
What will the P wave look like in the left atrium in an instance of hypertrophy/enlargement?
Terminal negativity in lead V1 or -mitral in lead II
What will the QRS look like in left ventricular hypertrophy?
S in V1 + R in V5 or V6 is greater than 35 (or 25 if single lead)
What will the QRS look like in right ventricular hypertrophy?
V1 R wave bigger than S wave
What is a premature atrial contraction?
Premature p wave followed by a narrow QRS
Premature atrial contractions (PACs) are early heartbeats originating in the atria.
What characterizes a premature ventricular contraction?
Wide QRS due to lack of conduction system use, typically not preceded by a p wave
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can disrupt the normal heart rhythm.
What is a non-compensatory pause?
The RR interval will be less than normal due to the SA node being reset
This can occur in PACs.
What is a compensatory pause?
The RR remains the same due to SA node firing when it has to
This can be seen in PVCs.
What is syncope?
Transient complete loss of blood flow to the brain
Syncope can result from various cardiovascular issues.
A heart rate over 150 could be indicative of what?
SVT (AVNRT)
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is often associated with elevated heart rates.
What does an irregular heart rate indicate?
Atrial fibrillation (a-fib)
A-fib is characterized by a lack of consistent P waves.
What is indicated by a wide and regular heart rate?
Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
VT can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention.