Cardiology Teaching Package
A Beginners Guide to Normal Heart Function, Sinus Rhythm & Common Cardiac Arrhythmias
Sinus Rhythm
Sinus rhythm is the name given to the normal rhythm of the heart where electrical stimuli are initiated in the SA node, and are then conducted through the AV node and bundle of His, bundle branches and Purkinje fibres.
Depolarisation and repolarisation of the atria and ventricles show up as 3 distinct waves on ECG. A unique labelling system is used to identify each wave.
Although the diagram shows 5 waves, we will concentrate on 3 waves. You will not always see a Q wave or an S wave on an ECG.
This is why only 3 waves are emphasised when you are learning from scratch.
Image: P,QRS & T Wave
Remember what was said earlier about the electrical stimuli passing through myocardial cells. The more cells there are, the more voltage is required. Now look at the previous pictures of the heart. The walls of the atria are much thinner and smaller than those of the ventricles.
Less muscle means less cells which means less voltage.
FAQs
Sinus rhythm is the name given to the normal rhythm of the heart where electrical stimuli are initiated in the SA node, and are then conducted through the AV node and bundle of His, bundle branches and Purkinje fibres. Depolarisation and repolarisation of the atria and ventricles show up as 3 distinct waves on ECG.
What is the function of the sinus rhythm? ›
It allows more blood to reach skeletal muscles, and as a consequence an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients. Compared to the variety of clinical arrhythmias, sinus rhythm is the basis for optimal exercise capacity and quality of life.
What is a normal sinus rhythm for a client on a cardiac monitor? ›
By convention, normal sinus rhythm in a resting subject is usually defined as sinus rhythm with a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats/min. Sinus rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats/min is termed sinus tachycardia (Fig.
What is meant by normal sinus rhythm? ›
Normal sinus rhythm (NSR) is the rhythm that originates from the sinus node and describes the characteristic rhythm of the healthy human heart. The rate in NSR is generally regular but will vary depending on autonomic inputs into the sinus node.
What assessment findings are associated with normal sinus rhythm? ›
A healthy human heart beats at 72 beats per minute in resting condition. Moreover, the electrocardiogram of a healthy heart shows a normal sinus rhythm, where certain shapes, patterns, and measurements of that time series signal fall within designated limits.
What would the nurse explain is the characteristic of normal sinus rhythm? ›
The characteristics of normal sinus rhythm are heart rate between 60 and 100 beats/minute, the SA node initiates the impulse, the impulse travels to the AV node in 0.12 to 0.2 second, the ventricles depolarize in 0.12 seconds or less, and each impulse occurs regularly.
What is a sinus rhythm quizlet? ›
normal sinus rhythm. A rhythm that occurs when the electrical conduction system of the heart is functioning normally. This rhythm is characterized by a regular rhythm, a rate between 60-100, upright and rounded P waves, a PR interval within normal limits, and a QRS duration within normal limits.
Is it good for your heart to be in sinus rhythm? ›
Normal sinus rhythm is a regular rhythm that occurs in generally healthy people. Sinus arrhythmia is an irregularity in the heart rhythm that originates at the sinus node. In general, sinus arrhythmias can be: Sinus tachycardia: a faster heart rate, beating faster than 100 beats per minute (bpm)
What is the treatment for sinus rhythm? ›
Antiarrhythmic drugs or left atrial radiofrequency ablation may be used to restore and maintain sinus rhythm, and atrioventricular nodal blocking drugs, pacemakers, or atrioventricular nodal ablation may be used to control the ventricular response.
Is 800 sinus rhythm good or bad? ›
It is abnormal reports. Consult and take proper treatment. Was this answer helpful? You have increased heart rate and heart is weak in pumping and need a check up .
Sinus Rhythms Arise from the SA Node.
The rate should be 60-100 beats per minute and regular.
What is poor sinus rhythm? ›
Sinus bradycardia is a heart rhythm where your heart beats slower than expected (under 60 beats per minute for adults) but otherwise works normally. It's fairly common, especially in adults over 65 and those who exercise regularly. It's usually not serious unless you have symptoms.
Is sinus rhythm something to worry about? ›
No. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia doesn't cause chest pain. You might be concerned when your healthcare provider notices an abnormal heart rhythm in your routine EKG. But respiratory sinus arrhythmia is not a cause for worry.
What does an abnormal heart rhythm look like? ›
For athletic individuals, a normal resting heart rate may be as low as 40 to 60 bpm. Abnormal heart rhythms can be described as a heart beating too fast (above 100 bpm) or slow (below 60 bpm), a fluttering sensation in the chest area or the skipping of a heart beat.
What are the four sinus rhythms? ›
Sinus Bradycardia. Sinus Tachycardia. Sinus Dysrhythmia (Arrhythmia) Sinus Arrest.
What criteria should the nurse use to determine normal sinus rhythm for a client? ›
Where a normal sinus rhythm has the following criteria[3][4]:
- Regular rhythm, with a P wave before every QRS.
- P wave is upright in leads 1 and 2, P wave is biphasic in V1.
- The maximum height of a P wave is less than or equal to 2.5 mm in leads 2 and 3.
- The rate of the rhythm is between 60 bpm and 100 bpm.
Normal ECG values for waves and intervals are as follows: RR interval: 0.6-1.2 seconds. P wave: 80 milliseconds. PR interval: 120-200 milliseconds.
What is normal sinus rhythm and PVC? ›
The sinus node creates electrical impulses that travel across the atria to the ventricles, causing them to contract and pump blood out to your lungs and body in what is known as normal sinus rhythm. In the case of PVCs, the heart doesn't actually skip a beat. Instead, an extra beat comes sooner than normal.
