A cardiac rhythmOften refers to a discernible pattern in time or distance between QRS complexes and/or P waves. that arises when higher – faster – pacemakerAn electronic pulse generator that stimulates depolarization of the atria and/or the ventricles. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 201 sites fail to initiate an impulse; for example, if the SA nodeThe SA node, usually the dominant pacemaker, is located in the right atrium at the opening of the superior vena cava. The SA (sinoatrial) node is a clump of hundreds of specialized cardiac cells that have the ability to self-initiate... fails to fire, the junctionConnects the atria to the ventricle and slows the impulse conduction speed sufficiently to allow for atrial kick; the junction consists of the AV node and the bundle of His; the junction is a supraventricular structure. 1. Six Second ECG... most often begins to fire at a rateHeart Rate; calculated by counting the number of QRS complexes in six seconds and multiplying by 10; rate is also determined by measuring the number of large squares between two R waves; i.e. –1 large square = heart rate of 300/minute. of 40-60/minute – called a junctional escape rhythm.
1. Six Second ECG GuidebookA Practice Guide to Basic and 12 Lead ECG Interpretation, written by Tracy Barill, 2012 Introduction The ability to correctly interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG), be it a simple six second strip or a 12 lead ECG, is a vital skill... (2012), T Barill, p. 196