Sinus Rhythm

A sinus rhythm is regular with normal P, Q-R-S, T deflections and intervals.  Rate = 60-100 at rest.

Sinus Bradycardia

Sinus bradycardia is a sinus rhythm with a rate less than 60 per minute in an adult.

Sinus Tachycardia

Sinus tachycardia is a sinus rhythm with a rate greater than 100 per minute in an adult. Note that the p waves are still present.

First-Degree Heart Block

Sinus rhythm with 1st degree heart block is a sinus rhythm with a prolonged PR interval > 0.20 seconds due to a delay in transmission from the atria to the ventricles.

Second-Degree AV Heart Block

A 2nd degree AV block is usually classified as Mobitz Type I (Wenckebach) or Mobitz Type II.  A Mobitz Type I heart block is characterized by progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a QRS complex is dropped.

A Mobitz Type II heart block is characterized by an intermittent dropped QRS that is not in a Mobitz Type I pattern.  The Mobitz Type II block must be evaluated since it is one that can rapidly progress to a complete heart block.

Third-Degree Heart Block

A 3rd degree heart block (sometimes called a complete heart block) is a rhythm in which there is no relationship between the P and QRS waves.  In this case, the P to P intervals are regular but have no relationship to the QRS complexes on the ECG.

Supraventricular Tachycardia

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is an extremely fast atrial rhythm with narrow QRS complexes when the impulse originates above the bundle branches (above the ventricles).

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (Afib or AF) is a very common arrhythmia.  This rhythm is characterized by no waves before the QRS complex and a very irregular heart rate.

Atrial Flutter

Atrial flutter is a supraventricular arrhythmia that is characterized by a “saw-toothed” flutter appearance on the ECG that represents multiple P waves for each QRS complex.