Pacer spikesThe telling sign that the rhythm is a paced rhythm; since the pacemaker spike is vertical, virtually no time was spent – this suggests strongly that the spike was initiated artificially and not organically (within the heart); note that a... should always have a waveformA wave of an ECG. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 209 immediately afterwards. Failure to stimulate a depolarizationThe rapid influx of positive ions (sodium and/or calcium) into a cell – depolarization is necessary for contraction to occur. A depolarizing wave moves through the myocardium on average along a trajectory or vector. A vector is a force moving... is called loss of capturePacer spikes should always have a waveform immediately afterwards. Failure to stimulate a depolarization is called loss of capture. An electronic pacemaker, or just pacemaker, delivers electrical current to the heart to stimulate depolarization. Pacemaker leads may connect with ventricular.... Many older monitors will not inform you of any loss of captureEffective depolarization of the atria and/or the ventricles by an artificial pacemaker. An electronic pacemaker, or just pacemaker, delivers electrical current to the heart to stimulate depolarization. Pacemaker leads may connect with ventricular tissue and/or atrial tissue (permanent or transvenous.... Again, always check the patient. The loss of capture of several complexes could result in poor cardiac outputWhat is it? Why is it Vital? The amount of blood pumped out of the ventricle in a minute (most often refers to the blood pumped by the left ventricle) What is cardiac output? Simply, cardiac output is the amount.... Also, if the pacemakerAn electronic pulse generator that stimulates depolarization of the atria and/or the ventricles. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 201 is sensing the heart ineffectively, the pacemaker could deliver electrical impulses close to the T waveThe wave that arrives after the QRS; is a graphical presentation of ventricular repolarization. Expect a T wave to follow every QRS complex. The T wave is a graphic representation of the repolarization of the ventricle. The T wave is..., potentially causing lethal dysrhythmiasUsed interchangeably with arrhythmia, refers to any abnormal rhythm – not normal sinus rhythm or sinus tachycardia. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 196. Loss of capture or the presence of pacer spikes close to the T wave often requires an urgent response.
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. 129