EKG Arrhythmias

P Wave

Atrial depolarization (atrial contract)

QRS Complex

Ventricular depolarization (ventricles contract)

T Wave

Ventricular repolarization

Sinus Bradycardia

Heart rate less than 60 bpm

Sinus Tachycardia

Heart rate more than 100 bpm

Sinus Arrest

When SA node fails to fire

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Increased heart rate that makes P & T waves combine

Atrial Flutter

One region of atrial tissue fires quicker than ventricles can respond causing multiple P waves called “flutters”

Atrial Fibrillation

Multiple regions of atrial tissue firing at a faster rate, causing fibrillations & irregular QRS distress

Premature Atrial Contraction

Atria triggered to contract earlier than it should, causing irregularity in P waves & QRS complex in certain regions

Premature Ventricular Contractions

Premature contraction of ventricles causing abnormal QRS complexes

Ventricular Tachycardia

Large, irregular, wide QRS complexes and irregular/absent P waves due to one area of ventricle firing outside normal conduction. Progresses to V-Fib

Ventricular Fibrillation

Ventricles quivering & not pumping blood to rest of the body, no pulse & unconscious within seconds

Asystole

Flatline, no electrical activity, begin CPR