Heart Conduction System and EKG Analysis

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to heart function, conduction system, and EKG interpretation.

Automaticity

The ability of the heart to generate its own electrical impulses without neural input.

Sinoatrial (SA) Node

The natural pacemaker of the heart, responsible for initiating electrical impulses and setting the heart rate.

Atrioventricular (AV) Node

A backup pacemaker that receives impulses from the SA node and transmits them to the ventricles.

Bundle of His

A collection of heart muscle cells specialized for electrical conduction, transmitting impulses from the AV node to the right and left bundle branches.

Purkinje Fibers

Fibers that distribute electrical impulses throughout the ventricles to stimulate contraction.

EKG (Electrocardiogram)

A test that measures the electrical activity of the heart to assess its rhythm and function.

Depolarization

The process of the heart muscle contracting in response to electrical stimulation.

Repolarization

The process of the heart muscle relaxing after contraction and restoring its resting state.

Diastole

The phase when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

Systole

The phase when the heart contracts and pumps blood out to the body.

Dysrhythmia

An abnormal heart rhythm caused by issues with the heart's electrical conduction system.

P Wave

Represents atrial depolarization in an EKG.

QRS Complex

Represents ventricular depolarization in an EKG.

T Wave

Represents ventricular repolarization in an EKG.

QT Interval

The time from the beginning of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave, indicating the time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization.

Artifact

Interference on an EKG tracing caused by patient movement or external electrical noise.

Sinus Bradycardia

A heart rate less than 60 beats per minute, originating from the SA node.

Sinus Tachycardia

A heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute, originating from the SA node.

Atrial Fibrillation

A common arrhythmia characterized by rapid and irregular beating of the atria.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VTach)

A fast heart rhythm originating from the ventricles, including potentially life-threatening conditions.

Ventricular Fibrillation (VFib)

A severe arrhythmia characterized by chaotic electrical impulses in the ventricles, leading to ineffective heart contractions.

Pacemaker

A medical device that delivers electrical impulses to stimulate heart contractions in patients with abnormal heart rhythms.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

A device implanted to monitor the heart's rhythm and deliver shocks if life-threatening arrhythmias occur.