basic ekg

p wave

atrial depolarization

if problem occurs with p wave, means that

problem with atrial contraction

time for impulse to travel from atria to ventricles

PR interval

when impulses move through ventricles

QRS complex

QRS complex

ventricular depolarization

T wave

ventricular repolarization

impulse conduction order

SA node, AV node, bundle of His, bundle branches, purkinje fibers

premature beat types on EKG

premature atrial contractions (PACs) and Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) 

PACs

excitation of atrial cell forms impulse, then conducted through AV node and ventricles

PACs what it looks like

rhythm irregular, p wave different shape, not significant

PVS

one or more ventricular cells depolarizing and impulses abnormally conducting through ventricles, can be caused by stimulants, stress, disease states (one very obvious decrease on EKG)

AFIB

no organized atrial depolarization, no normal P waves, atrial activity chaotic

Atrial flutter

NO PWAVES, only some impulses conduct through AV node

Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia (PSVT)

HR suddenly speeds up, often triggered by PAC, P waves lost

VTach

impulse originating in ventricles, no Pwaves, wide QRS

VFib

completely abnormal

1st degree AV block

PR interval greater than .20 secs, prolonged conduction delay in AV node/bundle of His

2nd degree AV block

PR interval progressively lengthens, impulse becomes completely blocked (P wave not followed by QRS)

2nd degree AV block type 2

occasional P waves are completely blocked, P waves not followed by QRS

3rd degree AV block

P waves completely blocked in AV junction, QRS complexes originate independently below junction