About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Different EKG Rhythms
Introduction
The electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a crucial tool in diagnosing heart conditions. It records the electrical activity of the heart, providing insight into various heart rhythms. Understanding different EKG rhythms is key for detecting arrhythmias and other cardiac disorders.
Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR)
- Definition: A healthy, regular rhythm originating from the sinus node.
- EKG Features:
- Rate: 60-100 bpm
- Regular P waves before each QRS complex
- Normal PR interval (0.12-0.20 sec)
Sinus Bradycardia
- Definition: A slow heart rate (<60 bpm) with normal sinus rhythm.
- Causes:
- Increased vagal tone (e.g., in athletes)
- Medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
- Hypothyroidism, hypothermia
Sinus Tachycardia
- Definition: A fast heart rate (>100 bpm) with normal sinus rhythm.
- Causes:
- Fever, dehydration, pain
- Anemia, hyperthyroidism
- Physical exertion, stress
Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
- Definition: Irregular, rapid atrial impulses without distinct P waves.
- EKG Features:
- Irregularly irregular rhythm
- No identifiable P waves
- Variable ventricular response
Atrial Flutter
- Definition: Atrial rhythm with a sawtooth pattern due to rapid atrial depolarization.
- EKG Features:
- Regular atrial activity (~250-350 bpm)
- Sawtooth flutter waves
- Variable AV conduction (e.g., 2:1, 3:1 block)
Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)
- Definition: A dangerous, rapid ventricular rhythm originating from the ventricles.
- EKG Features:
- Wide QRS complexes (>0.12 sec)
- Rate usually >100 bpm
- Monomorphic (same shape) or polymorphic (different shapes)
Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)
- Definition: Disorganized ventricular electrical activity causing cardiac arrest.
- EKG Features:
- Chaotic waves with no organized QRS complexes
- No cardiac output – requires immediate defibrillation
Conclusion
Recognizing different EKG rhythms is essential for diagnosing and managing cardiac conditions. Some arrhythmias are benign, while others require urgent intervention. If you experience symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, or fainting, seek medical care immediately.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on ECG Interpretation
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/electrocardiogram-ecg-or-ekg
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191095
- https://www.heart.org/-/media/files/affiliates/mwa/kansas-city/kc-cardiac-and-stroke-symposium/2020-event-documents/cardiac-presentations/2-ecg-hockstad.pdf?la=en
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.108.191098
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19281932/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arrhythmias
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Ventricular-Arrhythmias-and-the-Prevention-of-Sudden-Cardiac-Death
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/43/40/3997/6675633
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Supraventricular-Tachycardia
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36017572/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.0000091380.04100.84
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.