Junctional Dysrhythmias

Vocabulary flashcards covering concepts, criteria, and terminology related to junctional dysrhythmias and supraventricular tachycardia.

AV Junction

The tissue area collectively comprising the AV node and the bundle of His, which acts as a backup pacemaker with an inherent rate of $40\text{ to }60\text{ beats per minute}$.

Retrograde Depolarization

The backward conduction of electrical impulses from the AV junction through the atria, producing an inverted P wave on an ECG.

Inverted P Wave

An upside-down P wave caused by electrical impulses originating in the AV junction and depolarizing the atrial tissue in a retrograde direction.

Hypotension

Low blood pressure, defined specifically as a systolic blood pressure less than $90\text{ mmHg}$ and a diastolic blood pressure less than $60\text{ mmHg}$.

Premature Junctional Complex (PJC)

An early electrical impulse originating from the AV junction that causes an irregular rhythm, a QRS duration of $0.06\text{ to }0.10\text{ second}$, and an inverted P wave that may precede, follow, or be buried in the QRS complex.

Junctional Escape Rhythm

A rhythm originating at the AV junction with regular P-P and R-R intervals, a rate of $40\text{ to }60\text{ bpm}$, a QRS duration of $0.06\text{ to }0.10\text{ second}$, and a PR interval of less than $0.12\text{ second}$ when the P wave precedes the QRS complex.

Accelerated Junctional Rhythm

A rhythm originating at the AV junction with regular P-P and R-R intervals, a heart rate of $60\text{ to }100\text{ beats per minute}$, a QRS duration of $0.06\text{ to }0.12\text{ second}$, and an inverted or absent P wave.

Junctional Tachycardia

A fast rhythm originating at the AV junction with a heart rate of $100\text{ to }180\text{ bpm}$, regular P-P and R-R intervals, a QRS duration of $0.06\text{ to }0.12\text{ second}$, and an inverted, hidden, or unidentifiable P wave.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

A category of rapid dysrhythmias originating above the ventricles (in the atria or AV junction) with a ventricular rate of $150\text{ to }250\text{ beats per minute}$ (faster than $100\text{ bpm}$).

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

A preexcitation syndrome characterized by three distinct ECG features: a short P-R interval, a wide QRS complex, and a Delta wave.