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ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per minute.

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias II: Classification of Tachyarrhythmias

Tachyarrhythmias are a type of dysrhythmia where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. Here are some common types of tachyarrhythmias:Sinus TachycardiaSinus tachycardia originates from increased impulses from the sinus node, leading to an elevated heart rate. It is often triggered by stress, fever, or exercise.Patients may experience palpitations, a sensation of a racing heart, dizziness, and chest discomfort.Causes and Risk Factors: Common causes include physical exertion, emotional...

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

Atrial fibrillation (acute onset).

Gregory Y H Lip¹, Stavros Apostolakis

¹University of Birmingham Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, City Hospital, UK.

BMJ Clinical Evidence

|July 2, 2011

Summary

This systematic review examines interventions for acute atrial fibrillation (AF), a condition affecting heart rhythm. It found 30 studies on treatments to prevent embolism, restore sinus rhythm, and control heart rate in stable patients.

Area of Science:

Cardiology
Clinical Medicine
Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

Acute atrial fibrillation (AF) is a rapid, irregular heart rhythm lasting less than 48 hours.
Risk factors include age, cardiovascular disease, alcohol, diabetes, and lung disease.
AF increases stroke and heart failure risk, often requiring intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate interventions for acute, recent-onset atrial fibrillation (within 7 days) in hemodynamically stable individuals.
To assess treatments for embolism prevention, sinus rhythm conversion, and heart rate control.
To review the effectiveness and safety of various pharmacological and electrical interventions.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of 30 studies including systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies.

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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

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Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

High-Resolution Endocardial and Epicardial Optical Mapping in a Sheep Model of Stretch-Induced Atrial Fibrillation

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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

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Searched major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to April 2010.

Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA).

Main Results:

Evaluated interventions such as amiodarone, digoxin, diltiazem, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol, verapamil, and direct current cardioversion.
Assessed antithrombotic treatment efficacy before cardioversion.
Utilized GRADE methodology to evaluate the quality of evidence for interventions.

Conclusions:

Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of multiple interventions for acute atrial fibrillation.
Highlights the need for interventions when spontaneous resolution does not occur.
Provides a comprehensive overview for clinicians managing recent-onset atrial fibrillation.