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Symptomatic Bradycardia-Slow Heart Rate

Rules for Sinus
Bradycardia

Figure 31

Regularity R-R intervals are regular, overall rhythm is regular.
Rate The rate is less than 60 bpm, but usually more than 40 bpm.
P Wave There is one P wave in front of every QRS. The P waves appear uniform.
PR Interval Measures between 0.12 and 0.20 seconds in duration. PR interval is consistent.
QRS Complex Measures less than 0.12 seconds.

Table 10

Rules for First Degree Heart Block

Figure 32

Regularity R-R intervals are regular, overall rhythm is regular.
Rate The rate depends on the underlying rhythm.
P Wave There is one P wave in front of every QRS. The P waves appear uniform.
PR Interval Measures more than 0.20 seconds in duration. PRI is consistent.
QRS Complex Measures less than 0.12 seconds.

Table 11

Rules for 2nd Degree Type I AV Block (Wenckebach/Mobitz I)

Figure 33

Regularity R-R interval is irregular, but there is usually a pattern to it. The R-R interval gets longer as the PR interval gets longer.
Rate The ventricular rate is usually slightly lower than the atrial rate due to some atrial beats not being conducted. The atrial rate is usually normal.
P Wave P waves are upright and uniform. Most complexes will have a P wave in front of them; however, there will be some P waves that do not have a QRS complex.
PR Interval PR interval gets progressively longer until there is a dropped QRS complex.
QRS Complex Measures less than 0.12 seconds.

Table 12

Rules for 2nd Degree Type II AV Block
(Mobitz II)

Figure 34

Regularity If there is a consistent conduction ratio, then the R-R interval will be regular. If the conduction ratio is not constant, the R-R interval will be irregular.
Rate The atrial rate is normal. The ventricular rate is slower, usually 1/2 to 1/3 slower than the atrial rate.
P Wave P waves are upright and uniform. There is not a QRS following every P wave.
PR Interval PR interval can only be measured on conducted beats, and it is usually constant across the strip. It may or may not be longer than a normal PR interval (0.12 seconds)
QRS Complex Measures less than 0.12 seconds.

Table 13

RULES FOR 3RD
DEGREE AV BLOCK

(COMPLETE HEART BLOCK)

Figure 35

Regularity R-R interval is regular. P-P interval is also regular.
Rate The atrial rate is regular and normally 60 to 100. Rate of QRS complexes is dependent on the focus. If the focus is ventricular, the rate will be 20 to 40. If the focus is junctional, the rate will be 40 to 60.
P Wave P waves are upright and uniform. There is not a QRS following every P wave.
PR Interval PR interval can only be measured on conducted beats, and it is usually constant across the strip. It may or may not be longer than a normal PR interval (0.12 seconds).
QRS Complex Interval may be normal but is more likely to be prolonged.

Table 14

Symptomatic Bradycardia

Bradycardia is the condition where the heart beats at a rate less than 60 beats per minute. Though any heart rate pumping out less than 60 beats in a minute may be considered bradycardia, this isn’t always a point for concern. Even people who are physically fit can experience sinus bradycardia. Bradycardia is often indicative of low blood pressure, pulmonary edema and congestion, abnormal rhythm, discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and/or confusion. On the other hand, symptomatic bradycardia should be attended to with the ACLS Survey. If this condition is asymptomatic but still happens within the arrhythmia illustrated in the following sections, rhythm disorders can easily be remedied by consulting with a cardiologist.

Symptoms of Bradycardia

  • Uneven breathing
  • Altered mental status
  • Pulmonary edema/congestion
  • Hypotension
  • Weakness/dizziness/lightheadedness

Symptomatic Bradycardia Review

Sinus Bradycardia

  • Slow rate with normal rhythm

First Degree AV Block

  • PR interval is longer than 0.20 seconds

Type I Second Degree AV Block

  • Interval of the PR increases in length until QRS complex is dropped

Type II Second Degree AV Block

  • Constant PR intervals (may be prolonged) before a random QRS is dropped

Third Degree AV Block

  • P waves and QRS complex are not coordinated with each other
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