Lecture on ECG and EKG Rhythm Interpretation: Arrhythmias

Presenter: Eddie Watson

Overview:

• Third lesson in the series on ECG/EKG rhythm interpretation.
• Focus on arrhythmias, identifying types, and understanding underlying causes.

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Types of Arrhythmias:

• Sinus Arrhythmias
• Premature Beats
  • Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs)
  • Premature Junctional Complexes (PJCs)
  • Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs)
• Bradycardic Rhythms
• Tachycardic Rhythms
• Atrial, Junctional, and Ventricular Rhythms
• Heart Blocks (to be discussed in the next lesson)

Detailed Arrhythmias:

Sinus Arrhythmias:

• Originates in the SA node.
• Characterized by fluctuating heart rate.
• P waves and narrow QRS complex indicate sinus origin.

Premature Beats:

1. Premature Atrial Complexes (PACs):

• Causes: Atrial irritation leading to increased automaticity.
• Characteristics: Narrow QRS, upright P wave, possible altered P wave morphology.
• Recognition: Sudden early beat in a regular rhythm.

2. Premature Junctional Complexes (PJCs):

• Rare occurrence.
• Characteristics: Narrow QRS, absent or inverted P wave.

3. Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs):

• Common and easy to identify.
• Characteristics: Wide QRS, absence of P wave, T wave opposite to R wave.

Bradycardic Rhythms:

• Sinus Bradycardia:
  • Heart rate < 60 bpm.
  • Normal in athletes or due to medications like beta blockers.
  • Characteristics: Narrow QRS, upright P wave.

Tachycardic Rhythms:

• Sinus Tachycardia:

  • Heart rate > 100 bpm.
  • Causes: Increased sympathetic response via pain, fever, hypovolemia.
  • Characteristics: Narrow QRS, upright P wave.

• Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT):

  • Heart rate > 150 bpm.
  • Indistinguishable P waves due to high rate.
  • Regular rhythm with narrow QRS.
  • Causes similar to sinus tachycardia.

Conclusion:

• Covered sinus arrhythmias, premature complexes, and basic brady/tachycardic rhythms.
• Next lesson will address atrial, junctional, and ventricular rhythms.
• Encouragement to subscribe and engage for updates on future lessons.