Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

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

753
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...
753
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

709
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...
709
Electrocardiogram01:29

Electrocardiogram

7.2K
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
7.2K
Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

594
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...
594
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias01:16

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias I: Sinus Arrhythmias

990
Arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart's rhythm that lead to abnormal heartbeats. These irregularities can originate from different parts of the heart and are classified based on their origin and nature.
Types of Arrhythmias
Sinus Node Arrhythmias
Sinus Bradycardia: Originating from the sinoatrial (SA) node, sinus bradycardia involves slower impulses, resulting in a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). Causes include sleep, vagal stimulation, beta-blockers, hypothyroidism,...
990
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

3.4K
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...
3.4K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Related Syncope in a Young Military Pilot.

Aerospace medicine and human performance·2020
Same author

Occupational coronary artery disease assessment: moving beyond the stenosis paradigm.

European heart journal·2019
Same author

An introduction to aviation cardiology.

Heart (British Cardiac Society)·2018
Same author

Assessing aeromedical risk: a three-dimensional risk matrix approach.

Heart (British Cardiac Society)·2018
Same author

The challenge of asymptomatic coronary artery disease in aircrew; detecting plaque before the accident.

Heart (British Cardiac Society)·2018
Same author

Management of established coronary artery disease in aircrew without myocardial infarction or revascularisation.

Heart (British Cardiac Society)·2018

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System
10:17

Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

Published on: April 11, 2025

2.0K

Asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern ECG in USAF Aviators.

Eddie D Davenport, Karen A N Rupp, Edwin Palileo

    Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
    |January 8, 2017
    PubMed
    Summary

    Asymptomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern in aviators has a low annual risk (<1%) of serious cardiac events. Younger, healthier, and fitter individuals face the highest risk of progression to arrhythmia or symptoms.

    More Related Videos

    Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice
    08:05

    Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice

    Published on: June 29, 2022

    3.6K
    Patient Directed Recording of a Bipolar Three-Lead Electrocardiogram using a Smartwatch with ECG Function
    05:03

    Patient Directed Recording of a Bipolar Three-Lead Electrocardiogram using a Smartwatch with ECG Function

    Published on: December 11, 2019

    9.2K

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

    Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System
    10:17

    Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System

    Published on: April 11, 2025

    2.0K
    Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice
    08:05

    Optimization of Transesophageal Atrial Pacing to Assess Atrial Fibrillation Susceptibility in Mice

    Published on: June 29, 2022

    3.6K
    Patient Directed Recording of a Bipolar Three-Lead Electrocardiogram using a Smartwatch with ECG Function
    05:03

    Patient Directed Recording of a Bipolar Three-Lead Electrocardiogram using a Smartwatch with ECG Function

    Published on: December 11, 2019

    9.2K

    Area of Science:

    • Aerospace Medicine
    • Cardiology
    • Electrocardiography

    Background:

    • Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) pattern is an electrocardiographic finding occasionally identified in asymptomatic aviators.
    • The presence of WPW pattern raises aeromedical concerns due to potential risks of dysrhythmia and sudden cardiac death (SCD), impacting flight safety.
    • Understanding the prevalence and long-term outcomes of asymptomatic WPW pattern in aviators is crucial for risk assessment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic WPW pattern in U.S. Air Force (USAF) aviators.
    • To assess the long-term outcomes and identify risk factors associated with progression to dysrhythmia or symptoms in these aviators.
    • To evaluate the aeromedical implications of WPW pattern for flight safety.

    Main Methods:

    • Utilized the USAF ECG library database (over 1.2 million ECGs) to identify 638 aviators with WPW pattern over 68 years.
    • Conducted a medical record review to obtain demographic, medical history, and outcome data.
    • Compared aviators who developed high-risk features (symptoms, arrhythmia, ablation) with those who remained asymptomatic.

    Main Results:

    • The prevalence of WPW pattern was 0.30% among USAF aviators.
    • 10% of identified aviators (64 individuals) progressed to a combined endpoint of SCD, arrhythmia, or ablation over 6868 patient-years (average 10.5-year follow-up).
    • Annual risks were 0.95% for sudden incapacitation and 0.03% for SCD. Younger, healthier, and fitter individuals showed higher progression rates.

    Conclusions:

    • Asymptomatic WPW pattern in aviators carries a low annual risk (<1%) of arrhythmia or incapacitating events.
    • The highest risk for progression is observed in younger, healthier, and physically fitter aviator populations.
    • These findings have implications for aeromedical decision-making and risk stratification in aviators with WPW pattern.