Electrocardiography
for Anaesthesia
INTRODUCTION :
THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM :
This is a graphic recording of the electrical
potentials produced by the cardiac tissue. The heart is unique
among the muscles of the body in that it possesses the properties
of automatic impulse formation and rhythma contraction. Formation
and conduction of these electrical impulses produce weak
electrical currents that spread through the body. The ECG is
recorded by applying electrodes to various locations on the body
surface.
The clinical utility is its immediate
availability as a non-invasive inexpensive and highly versatile
test, but should not be considered as a since qua non of the
diagnosis of heart disease and should always be interpreted in
the light of surrounding clinical circumstances.
THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH :
It is a sophisticated galvanometer, a sensitive
electromagnet which can detect and record changes in
electromagnetic potentials. The recording are obtained on
electrographic paper divided into small and large squares.
One Horizontal large square represents 0.20
seconds or 1/5th second and one small square represents 0.04 sec.
Or 1/25th second. The vertical measurement reflect deflexion
magnitude.
THE CONVENTIONALELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC LEADS :
In clinical practise, there are twelve (12)
conventional leads, which may be physiolgically divided into two
groups depending on their orientation to the heart.
The frontal plane leads : They are oriented to
the frontal or coronol plane of the body. The horizontal plane
leads : They are oriented to the transuerse or horizontal plane
of the body i.e. precordial leads. (Fig. 1)
THE FRONTAL PLANE LEADS : These bipolar limb
leads are derived from three electrodes
Standard Lead I : This is obtained by
placement of the negative electrode on the right arm and positive
electrode on the left arm.
Standard Lead II : This is obtained by
placement of the negative electrode on the right arm and positive
electrode on the left leg.
Standard Lead III : This is obtained by
placement of the negative electrode on the left arm and positive
electrode on the left leg.
DIAGRAM
The frontal plane leads thus form an
equilateral triangle with the heart at the center. THE
FINTHOVENS TRIANGLE :
DIAGRAM
THE UNIPOLAR LIMB LEADS :
The negative electrode is considered to be zero
and the positive electrode is the exploring electrode. They are
augmented instrumentally to increase the amplitude of deflexions.
AVR : This is augmented unipolar right arm lead
and oriented to the cairty of the heart. Thus P-QRS-T are
negotive normally in this lead.
AVL : This is augmented unipolar left arm lead
and oriented to anterolateral /superior surface of left
ventricle.
AVF : This is augmented unipolar left leg lead
and oriented to the inferior surface of the heart.
DIAGRAM
HORIZONTAL PLANE LEADS :
The precordiol leads constitute the horizontal
plane leads.
Lead V1 : This is placed over the 4th Ics
immediately to the right of the sternum.
Lead V2 : This is placed over the 4th Ics
immediately to the left of the sternum.
Lead V4 : This is placed over the 5th Ics in
the mid-claricular line.
Lead V3 : This is placed exactly midway between
V2 and V4.
Lead V5 : This is placed at the same horizontal
level as lead VH on the anterior axillary line.
Lead V6 : This is placed at the same horizontal
level as lead V4 and V5 on the mid-axillary line.
DIAGRAM
THE ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY OF THE HEART :
Much of the clinical ECG is based on the
behaviour of transmembrane potential. Four electrophysiologic
events are involved in the genesis of an ECG.
-
- Impulse formation (esp. primary pacemaker
of the heart, the S.A. mode)
-
- Transmission of the impulse through
specialized conduction fibres.
-
- Depolarization.
-
- Repolarization.
DIAGRAM
The resting membrane potential (RMP) is about
80 to 90 mV (esp. SA mode) due to a gradient of Na+/K+
ions. This is maintained by active ion transport mechanism, the
sodium pump.
At the onset of depolarisation, there is an
abrupt change in permeability of the cell membrane to Na+ ions.
This is designated as phase O. Pacemaker cells in the
SA and AV node are depolarised by Ca2+ dependent slow inward
current.
There is a gradual return to the RMP and this
phase is divided into three phases
phase 1 : An initial rapid return to OmV
largely as a result of closure of Na+ channel.
Phase 2 : This is the plateau resulting from
slow entry of Ca2+ into the cells.
Phase 3 : This is due to return of intra
cellular potential resulting from extrusion of K+ out of the
cell.
The normal negative potential is established by
the Na+/K+ pump which removed Na+ from the cell and permit influx
of K+.
Relation with cellular events to surface ECG :
Summation of all phase O potentials
of atrial cells result in a P wave.
Phase 2 : PR segment.
Phase 3 : To wave of atrial repolarization.
The summation of all phase O
potentials of ventricular my ocardial cells result in QRS
complex.
Phase 2 : ST segment.
Phase 3 : T wave.
THE BASIC ACTION OF THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAPH :
Sequential depolarisation of the cardiac muscle
from a state of polarisation causes an activation
excitation front which results in an electrical current. This
current in turn forms an electromagnetic force or vector which
can be detected and recorded by the electro cardiograph.
DIAGRAM
The fundamental principle is that when an
electromagnetic force is direct towards the positive pole of a
lead the electrocardiograph will record an upward or positive
deflection and vice-versa as shown.
THE NORMAL ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG)
The P wave represents atrial
activation.
QRS : Ventricular depolarisation.
T Wave : ventricular repolarisation /recovery.
PASTE DIAGRAM
PR interval : This is the time required
foratrial repolarisation plus the conduction delay in the AV
node, bundle of His and Bundle branches.
Normal PR interval - 0.12 0.2 seconds.
QRS Interval : This is mainly from the onset of
Q wave to termination of S wave and is the time for ventricular
depolarisation.
Normal QRS Interval : 0.1 sec. For frontal
leads and 0.11 sec. For precordial leads :
QT Interval : This is measured from onset of Q
wave to the end of T wave and it represents the duration of
electrical systole.
QTc is corrected for heart rate and is about
0.42 sec.
VENTRICULAR ACTIVATION TIME (VAT) : Also known
as intrinsicoid deflection and is the time it takes an impulse to
traverse the myocardium from endocardum to Epicardium. It is the
interval from the beginning of a wave to the peak of R wave. This
should not exceed 0.04 sec. In left leads and 0.02 sec. In right
leads.
Genesis of V wave is uncertain but
ST segment. T wave and V wave together represent toal duration of
ventricular recovery.
GENESIS OF P WAVE :
PASTE DIAGRAM
P wave is formed by fusion of right and left
activation. The first part is the contribution of right atrial
activation and the second part, the contribution of left atrial
activation. It is best evaluated in standard lead II. This is
pyramidal in shape and somewhat rounded in lead II but normally
biphasis in V1 as shown.
GENESIS OF QRS COMPLEX :
Activation of the ventricles begins in the left
sub-endocardial region spreading from left to right, which
dominates the activation of the right subendocardial region
i.e.region i.e. from right to left (shown as vector 1).
PASTE DIAGRAM
This is followed by activation of the free
walls of both the ventricles. The right to left activation vector
of the left ventricle dominates the left to right activation
vector of right ventride. (shown as vector 2). Hence, the above
deflections are obtained.
ELECTRICAL AXIS OF THE HEART :
They are of the two types :
-
- Frontal plane axis.
-
- Horizontal plane axis.
FRONTAL PLANE AXIS :
This can be determined by the frontal plane
hexaxial reference system which is formed by the combination of
the two triaxial reference system.One is formed by the three
standard leads and the other by the three unipolar limb leads.
PASTE DIAGRAM
Derivation of frontal plane QRs axis :
Examine the six frontal plane leads : I, II,
III, AVR, AVL & AVF.
Determine the most equiphasic deflection : The
axis of the lead perpendicular to this lead will be QRS axis.
PASTE DIAGRAM
Eg. : In the above ECG tracing,
Equiphasic deflection is seen in head I and AVF
is 1 to axis of lead I.
Hence, axis of QRS is the axis of AVF which is
+90 Deg. And can be confirmed visually by maximum positive
deflection.
HORIZONTAL PLANE AXIS :
This is reflected in the precordial leads. The
transition zone is the zone when there is a change from rs
pattern in right oriented leads and qR pattern in the left
oriented leads to RS pattern. This is commonly seen
in leads V3 and V4. Clockwise rotation is said to be present when
the transition zone shifts to V4 V6.
Counter clockwise rotation is said to be
present when transition zone shifts to V1 V3.
PASTE DIAGRAM
A NORMAL 12 LEADED ECG WITH THE VARIDEFLECTIONS
IN DIFFERENT LEADS IS SHOWN AGAINST WHICH WE STUDY THE ABNORMAL.
Disorders which may be dianosed and significant
information obtained by ECG tracing are as follows :
PASTE DIAGRAM
- Cardiac heart disease.
- Disorder of impulse condution.
- Drug and electrolytes : effects on ECG.
CARDIC ENLARGEMENT /HYPERTROPHY :
RIGHT ATRIAL HYPERTROPHY :
- The right atrial component of the P wave is
increased both in amplitude and duration (amplitude > 2.5 mm).
This is best seen in lead II where it is peaked.
- The initial deflection of the P wave in V1
becomes taller, more pointed and is usually
- Cardiac enlargement /hypertrophy
- Ischaemic heart disease.
- Disorder of impulse formation.
- Disorder of impulse conduction.
- Drug and electrolytes - effects on ECG.
CARDIAC ENLARGEMENT /HYPERTROPHY :
Dominantly positive with a relatively small
negative component.
-
- In atrial enlargement due to
acquired heart disease, there will be tall
P waves with right axis deviation of the
P wave known as P
PULMONALE.
-
- In right atrial enlargement
usually due to congenital heart disease, tall and
peaked P wave with left axis
deviation of the P wave is present
known as P CONGENITALE.
PASTE DIAGRAM
The above ECG shows tall P in II,
III, AVF and indicating right atrial abnormality.
LEFT ATRIAL HYPERTROPHY :
-
- The left atrial component is
prolonged due to delay of the terminal part of
P wave as shown, results in double
peaked notched and broad P wave >
0.125 sec.
PASTE DIAGRAM
- Since, the left atrial component
is prolonged and increased in magnitude and
directed more posteriorly, in lead V1, negative
terminal is relatively deep, delayed and widened.
-Left axis deviation usually present and the
P wave is directed to +45 Deg. To 30 Deg. On
the frontal plane.
PASTE DIAGRAM
- Broad, notced P waves
best seen in leads 11, AVF and V2 V5.
- Terminal negative deflection
prominent in V1.
This patient had mitral stenosis.
COMBINED RIGHT AND LEFT ATRIAL HYPERTROPHY :
This may manifest as :
- Frontal plane leads may reflect a
P wave shich is wide and notched and in addition
increased in amplitude.
- Lead V1 may reflect P wave whose
initial component is taller and peaked and further associated
with terminal deep, wide and delayed component.
-
- Eg. This is (as shown) a case of mitral
stenosis with tricuspid regurgitation having left and
right atrial enlargement and right ventricular
hypertrophy.
PASTE DIAGRAM
- Wide, notched tall P
wave in I, II, AVL.
- Bizarre, biphasic P in
V1.
RIGHT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY :
This may result from
-
- COAD
-
- Pulmonary : Hypertrophy (pulmonary
embolism, primary pillmonary hypertension, mitral
stenosis, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation).
-
- Tricuspid regurgitation.
-
- ASD
-
- Right axis deviation : The mean
frontal axis QRS deviates to the right. It is
usually an expression of right free wall
hypertrophy.
-
- Clockwise rotation of the heart :
There is a shift of transition zone to V5
V6.
-
- Dominance of R wave : This becomes
increasingly more deminant in the right oriented
leads and there is progressively diminution of
the S wave.
-
- There may be a small initial slur
of QRS complex and may take form of relatively
thick and slow inscribed deflection resulting in
v"R" deflection.
-
- There is increase in VAT (i.e.
> 0.02 sec).
-
- Left oriented leads (V5/V6/AVL)
there is an expression of a diminishing R wave
and increase of S wave reflecting the increasing
dominance of the right oriented leads.
-
- T wave will be directed away from
the right and T wave inversion will be seen in
right oriented leads V1 V4.
-
- U wave may become diminished in
amplitude or even inverted in right precordic
leads and in II, III, AVF.
ECG CRITERIA FOR RVH :
-
- R Wave > S wave in V1 (R:S > 1.0)
-
- qR pattern in V1.
-
- VAT > 0.03 sec. In V1.
-
- Persistant S in V5/V6.
-
- ST segment depression and T wave
inversion.
Eg :
PASTE DIAGRAM
LEFT VENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY :
This occurs as a result of two basic
haemodynamic abnormalities, systolic overload or pressure
overload occurs as a result of aortic stenosis, systemic
hypertension, hyper trophic cardiomyopathy, co-arctation of
aorta, stenosis. Diastolic overload or volume overload occur in
aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, PDA.
- In early stages, it is normally directed, but
in long standing cases, particularly in systemic hypertension,
QRS frontal axis may deviate to the left between 0 Deg. To
30 Deg. Or more may be due to LAHB.
- Counter clockwise rotation of the heart :
This usually occurs in horizontal plane so that the transition
zone may occur in V2 V3.
- Increased magnitude of QRS complex : There is
a deep S wave in right oriented leads and a tall
R wave produced due to systolic overload.
- Normally R in V5 is taller than V6. If R wave
in lead V6 > V5 is taller than V6. If R wave in lead V6 >
V5, it constitutes a corroborative sign of left ventricular hyper
trophy.
- Increase in VAT : This exceeds 0.04 sec. In
left oriented leads (normal 0.04 Sec.) and it is the time
taken for the impulse to traverse the thickness of the
ventricular was it is increased.
- Y wave is usually directed away from the
compromised region and with left ventricular pressure overload.
It is generally under strain Y wave will be consequently inverted
in left oriented leads in V5, V6.
- Compromised left ventricle may result in
inverted V Wave and this is a sensitive sign of impaired left
ventricle.
ECG Criteria for LVH :
-
- R wave in V5 / V6 > 27mm.
- S in V1 + R in V5/V6 > 35 mm.
- VAT > 0.05 sec.in V5/V6.
-
- QRS interval may be prolonged > 0.15
sec.
-
- ST segment depression and T wave inversion
in V5/V6.
-
- R wave in AVL > 11 mm. (Horizontal
heart)
> 20 mm. (Vertical heart)
PASTE DIAGRAM
BIVENTRICULAR HYPERTROPHY :
This should be suspected when there is
- ECG presentation of LVH with right axis
deviation.
- ECG presentation of LVH with clockwise
electrical rotation and shift of transition zone to the
left.
- ECG will tall R in V1.
Manifested as
- Tall R wave in left precordial leads.
- Tall R wave in right precordial leads.
- Equiphasic QRS in mid precordial leads.
- Mean QRS frontal plane axis is +105 Deg. (to
the right)
- SV1 + RV5 is 39mm. (combination of right axis
deviation + LVH)
- Biventricular hypertrophy.
ISCHAEMIC HEART DISEASE :
MYOCARDIAL ISCHAEMIA :
Myocardial ischaemia occurs when coronary
artery blood flow is insufficient to meet myocardial metablic
requirements. Since the underlying process is transient, so are
the ECG features.
CELLULAR BASIS
A. Injury current at rest : An electrode
overlying the injured muscle will record a depression relative to
the baseline as the injured tissue is electrically negative than
normal muscle tissue. Any electrode over the Injured area is
relatively positive as there is a constant flow of current from
uninjured to injured area.
PASTE DIAGRAM
- On stimulating overlying electrode records
a positive deflection and the opposite electrode a
negative deflection.
C. When there ceases to be a potential
difference, the deflections return to the baseline.
D. When the muscle returns to the resting
state, the deflection recorded return to their original position.
This is a practical rule, an ECG tracing
recorded directly over injured muscle records ST segment
elevation. If a normal muscle is present between electrode and
injured muscle, ST depression results.
ECG PATTTERNS RESULTING FROM MYOCARDIAL
ISCHAMIC :
- Abnormalities of ST segment :
- Depression of ST segment : This
may take one of the forms which in order of
severity are :-
- Horizontality of ST segment :
This is the
earliest sign of coronary
insufficiency. ST segment becomes
horizontal for an appreciable
period of time, usually 0.12 or
longer.
-
- Upward slopping ST depression :
Another early and
relatively mild manifestation of
ST segment depression. This may
be confused with a normal ECG due
to Ta or Tp u ave of atrial
repolarisation.
-
- Plane ST segment depression :
Common manifestation of chronic
established ST segment abnormality.
-
- Downslopping ST segment
depression.
This usually reflects a severe
form of impaired coronary blood flow.PASTE DIAGRAM
ST Depression is usually
transient or may occur spontaneously during an
attack or precipitated by exercise. The greater
the ST depression, worse the prognosis. ST
depression is considered to reflect
non-transmural my ocardial ischaemia. Often the
sub-endocardial area. This area is vulnerable
because of bearing the brunt of systolic pressure
developed by ventricle and smaller total blood
supply in part from the transmyocardial coronary
artery perfusion pressure gradient.
-
- ELEVATION OF ST SEGMENT : This is
usually the expression of transmural myocardial
injury dominantly epicardial region and also seen
in reciprocal leads with areas of sub-endocardial
injury.
The ECG cannot differentiate
between
-
- Reciprocal lead which shows
depression.
-
- Additional area sub-endocardial
ischaemia
2. Abnormalities of T wave : The T wave vector
points away from an area of ischaemia and towards an area of
normal myocardium. The cause is not known but may be due to
leakage of intracellular K+ from cells and producing local
hyperkalaemia.
The normal T wave is asymmetrical. T wave
associated with coronary insufficiency are symmetrical with
sharp-pointed,arrow head vertex or Nadir. T wave inversion and
low T waves are also signs of coronary insufficiency.
If following exercise T in V4 is > 5 mm.
Than normal resting values, coronary insufficiency should be
suspected.
3. Abnormalities of Vwave :
Normally it is in the direction of the T wave.
Inverted "V wave is diagnostic of cardiac disease
especially coronary artery and of hypertensive origin. If it
developed after exercise it indicates ischaemina.
Eg :
PASTE DIAGRAM
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION :
This occurs when insufficient coronary artery
blood flow occurs over a critical length of time. This may result
from atherosclerotic after exercise it indicates ischaemia.
Eg :
PASTE DIAGRAM
- ST elevation most prominent in
V2-5 indicating transmural myocardial ischaemia
observation or thrombotic /embolic occlusion of
the crornary artery.
Serial ECG and clinical correlation are
mandatory in making the correct diagnosis. Additionally ECG
distinction between transmural and non-transmural infarct based
on ECG is misleading. This occurs in three phases.
- The hyperacute phases.
- The fully evolved phases.
- The chronic stabilised phase.
The fully evolved phase.
TRANSMURAL MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION :
The following figure represents an idealised
presentation of the fully evolved phase of acute myocardial
infarction.
The myocardial nerosis is represented by a
"QS" complex.
PASTE DIAGRAM
Myocardial injury by elevated ST segment and
myocardial ischaemia by inverted, symmetrical pointed T wave.
The QS complex : This is a totally negative QRS
complex with no positively. Necrotic tissue is electrically inert
and cannot be activated or depolarised. Thus an electrode
oriented towards this necrotic muscle will reflect the resultant
rector of the septal wall and then the free wall of the other
ventride and hence will result in a negative deflection a
QS complex.
This also applies to any inert region of
myocardial tissue eg. Large compact region of fibrosis, an end
result of myocardial infarction or a ventricular aneurysm.
PASTE DIAGRAM
The most diagnostic ECG finding is therefore an
abnormally wide (0.04 sec) and deep Q wave (25%) of the height of
R wave.
Small non-pathogenic q wave :
Commonly recorded in leads, I AVF and V4=V6 and
represents left right depolarisation of the interventricular
septum. This should non exceed 0.03 sec. Or 25% of the height of
R wave.
PASTE DIAGRAM
QS complexes evident V2-V4.
DEVIATION OF ST SEGMENT : Myocardial injury is
reflected by deviation of ST segment. If the injury is dominantly
epicardial ST segment will be raised as seen in lead oriented
towards this surface and leads placed in approximately 180 Deg.
And oriented to the uninjured surface will reflect ST depression.
PASTE DIAGRAM
In dominant sub-endocardial injury the opposite
will occur.
T WAVE INVERSION : This reflects
myocardial ischaemia. Leads oriented to the ischaemic region will
have inverted. Symmetrical and pointed T waves because it always
points away from ischaemic area.
NON-TRANSMURAL MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION :
This is depicted in an ECG as :
-
- The loss of R wave amplitude:
This occurs generally in leads which are oriented towards
the periphery of the infarction.
- PASTE DIAGRAM
The
QRS vector are dimenished in magnitude by a sub
endocardial or subepicardialrinds of necrosis, but are
still of sufficient magnitude to counter-modify or
balance the QRS vector directed away from the rector.
- Qr complex : Deep wide
pathological Q wave followed by a relatively small
r wave. This also occurs in endocardial or
epicardial rinds of necrosis away from the periphery of
infarction and may result from a significant loss of
unilateral QRS forces as reflected by Q wave.
THE HYPERACUTE PHASE :
Thie occurs before the fully evolved phase.
This is frequently ignored or not recognised.
-
- Increase in V.A.T.
- This is the time from the beginning of QRS
complex to R wave and this delayed beyond 0.45 sec. and
may reach values of 0.6 seconds.
- Increased amplitude of R wave
:
- The acutely injured tissue is not yet
necrosed and therefore is still able to conduct the
electrical activation but slowly.
- Tall and widened T wave :
T waves becomes tall and wide and
sometimes exceed the apliitude of R
wave.
This stage is particularly critical and
vulnerable for it is during this phase that the complication of
primary ventricular fibrillation is must likely to occur.
THE CHRONIC STABILISED PHASE :
There is gradual resolution of the abnormalties
and hence the acuteness of myocardial ischaemic is not present
which is diagnosed primarily by the behaviour of the ST segment
and T wave.
LOCALISATION OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION :
The ECG features of myocardial infarction may
be localised to the following principle region of the left
ventricular cone.
-
- Anterior wall : This is oriented towards
the precordial leads and the anterolateral surface
towards AVL and std lead I and hence THE typical patten
are reflected in these leads.
Anterior wall infarctions are further divided
into :-
-
- Extensive anterial wall MI :
- Std. I, AVL and all precordial leads.
- Anteroseptal wall MI: : Lead V1-V4.
-
- Apical wall MI : Typically appear in V5-6.
PASTE DIAGRAM
QS waves 1, AVL, V5-V6 (-)
QS Complexes V3 & V4
T wave inversion ST 1, AVL,
V3-V6.
Inferior wall MI : This wall of left
ventricular mass is reflected in II, III, AVF.
The reciprocal changes are reflected in the
negative pole I & AVL.
The initial superior and leftwardly directed
QRS obliterate the normal, small initial q wave in
this lead. This is a corroborative sign of inferior wall
infarction.
PASTE DIAGRAM
- Q wves III, II, AVF.
- Reciprocal changes I, AVL.
3. Posterior wall MI : No conventional
electrode is oriented directly be diagnosed by the inverse or
mirror image changes reflected by the electrode oriented to the
uninjured anterior myocardial wall. This can be depicted as
follows :
The right precordial leads V1-V3 esp. V2
oriented to the anterior wall reflect the inverse changes.
PASTE DIAGRAM
- Mirror image of QS complex reflected
by tall and widened R wave.
- Elevated ST segment reflected as concave
upward ST segment.
- Upright tall and widened T waves is
essentially the diagnosis of posterior wall infarction.
PASTE DIAGRAM
- Tall T waves in V1-3
esp V2.
- Tall widendd R in V2.
PASTE DIAGRAM
Q waves - II, III, AVF
LVH Deep s in V1-4.
DISORDERS OF CARDIAC RHYTHM :
Rate and rhythm of the heart is controlled by
the SA node. The heart has many other potential pacemakers. AV
node, Bundle of His, atria and ventride. This is the property of
automaticity in which spontaneous depolarisation occurs. The SA
node has the fastest inherent discharge rate, usually ranging
from 79-80 min whereas the AV node 60/min, Bundle of His
50/Min. The inherent rate of purkinje cells of ventricular mass
is about 30-40 /min. Normally the SA node serves as the pacemaker
for the heart. If this should fail, the slower subsidiary
pacemaker cells will take over the function of pacemaker.
The sinus impulse leaves the SA
node and spreads through the atrial muscle and represented
graphically by the steep slope. This eventually reaches the AV
node where it is slightly delayed reflected by a gradual slope.
Impulse is finally conducted relatively quickly down the bundle
of this, Bundle branches and purkinje network system reflected by
a steep slope.
Disorders of cardiac rhythm may be
categorised.
-
- Disorders of impulse
formation.
-
- Disorders of impulse
condition.
DISORDERS OF IMPULSE FORMATION :
Sinus Rhythm :
* Normal sinus rhythm : This is
reflected by normal P wave followed by sequential
inscriptionof QRS-T at a rate which ranges between 60-100 min. as
shown.
-
- Sinus arrhythmia :
This is caused by alternating period of slow and
fast rate, is normally associated with
respiration with faster rates towards end of
inspiration and slower rate at end of expiration.
This is a normal physiological phenomenon and
most marked in young persons.
-
- Sinus tachycardia :
This occurs when the SA node discharges faster
than 100/min in an adult. This is characterised
by normal P-QRS-T complex recorded in rapid
succession. It is a normal physiological
phenomenon to exercise and emoition and
physiological status like toxaemia,
thyrotoxicosis and cardiac failure.
- Sinus bradycardia :
This results when the SA node discharges at a
rate slower than 60/min. and again characterised
by normal P-QRS-T complexes. This is a normal
phenomenon in athletes and physiological response
to sleep. It is also associated with myxoedema,
obstructive jaundice, uraemia, glaucoma,
B-blocking agents.
Atrial extrasystole : This is due
to a premature discharge of the atrial ectopic focus. The
discharge occurs from a point other than the SA node and since
they pass through atria by unusual pathways, this results in an
abnormal bizarre P wave different from sinus P wave. This may be
pointed, notched, biphasic or inverted.
This ectopic P wave
raches SA node discharging it prematurely i.e.before, next,
anticipated P wave. This premature impulse may or may
not be conducted through the AV node depending on the recovery
state of the AV node. Thus, the abnormal P wave may
or may not be followed by QRS complex.
Again, if the impulse reaches when
only one BB has recovered will result in bundle branch block.
Wandering atrial pacemaker : Here
some atrial impulse originate in the sinus node and others in
varius portions of the atria which is seen as multiple
p waves contours. There is variability in atrial rate
and PR interval.
-
- Paroxysmal atrial
tachy-cardia : This is due to rapid discharge of
an ectopic atrial focus which results in an
abnormally shaped P wave. AV
conduction may be normal leading to normal PR or
shorter leading to short PR.
-
- Depending on the recovery of
the AV node, there may be a 1 Deg. Or a 2 2 Deg. AV block
or a fluctuating ratio in the degree of AV block known as
PAT with block.
-
- Intraventricular conduction
may or may not be normal depending on the recovery of the
system.
-
- P bizarr
-
- Atrial rate 250.
-
- AV Block 3:1 and 2:1.
-
- MULTIFOCAL ATRIAL
TACHY-CARDIA : This is atrial arrhythmias characterized
by varying P wave coatours reflecting
different foci of origin and variable PP and PR interval.
This is same as wandering pacemaker but its rate are
usually fast i.e. > 100/min. and generally
150-180/min.
-
- P wave contours
differ.
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- PP and PR are different
giving rise to irregular ventricular rhythm.
ATRIAL FLUTTER : This is the
expression of rapid and regular atrial excitation. This may
result from.
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- Circus movement : self
prepetuating circular path of excitation.
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- Rapid discharge from ectopic
foci.
The ventricular response depends
on the efficacy of the AV conduction.
The atrial waves of atrial flutter
are classically saw-toothed in appearance.
Type I flutter waves : The rate
are between 250-300/min.
Type II flutter waves : The occurs
at a faster atrial rate i.e. between 350-430/min. It is more
regular than fibrillation and the baselines does not undulate.
Atrial fibrillation : The
excitaiton and recovery of the atria are disorganised and chaotic
and may range from 400-600/min. The f waves are
irregular, chaotic, resulting in a ragged baseline. The
ventricular response depends on the integrity of AV conduction.
This is generally found in :
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- Coronary artery disease.
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- Mitral and tricuspid valvular
disease leading to atrial enlargement.
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- Hyperthyriodism.
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- Constrictive pericarditis.
ATRIOVENTRICULAR NODAL RHYTHM or
JUNCTIONAL RHYTHM :
When the focus arises in the AV
node, the impulse is conducted to atria and ventricle
concommitantly. Atrial depolarisation is reversed and hence
results in an inverted P wave best seen in II, III
and AVF. It also proceeds along the normal A-V conduction pathway
and results in a near normal QRS-T complex.
AV nodal extrasjstole :
- If retrograde conduction of
the atria is faster than anterograde conduction, P will
preceds QRS but PT interval will be short.
- If antegrade conduction is
faster than retrograde conduction then P follows QRS :
- If antegrade conduction and
retrograde conduction occurs at the same time, P wave
will be hidden in the QRS complex.
- Retrograde conduction may be
blocked by a concommitant sinus impulse.
That retrograde impulse blocked
since
Paroxysmal AV nodal tachycardia :
This is succession of thru or more AV node extrasystole.
Sometimes a sinus impulse canfind the AV node in a momentarily
non refractory phase and the sinus impulse is conducted to the
ventricle and help revert back to normal and identical in both
tachycard and sinus rhythm as seen in the ECG.
Idionodal tachycardia : This is
accelerated inherent idionodal rhythm.
VENTRICULAR RHYTHMS :
Ventricular extrasystole : This is
due to premat discharge of an ectopic focus in the ventric. The
beat arises in the diastolic period of the preceding sinus beat
and hence receive earlier than the next anticipated sinus beat
since the impulse does not travel through the normal pathway, the
QRS complex is bizarreividened, slurred, nothed. ST segment is
depressed if the QRS is dominantly upwards and T wave.
Ventricular extrasystole can
manifest at the same time as the P wave and hence
P wave will be hiddened by bizarre QRS.
Ventricular extrasystole may
manifest just before the following sinus discharge and hence
P wave will be recorded later.
The discharge of the SA node is
not interfered with and hence protected from the ectopic impulse.
The next sinus impulse occurs as schedule and the pause following
is thus complete.
Interpolated ventricular
Extrasystole : This is ventriculated extrasystole sanditched
between two conducted sinus beat. Ventricular extra systole
occurs early when AV are in a refractory period and normal sinus
beat occurs on time but owing to ectopic impulse. AV node is
still partially refractory and hence sinus beat conducted with
some delay resulting in an increased PR interval.
-
- Does not disturb sinus rate
Extrasystolic ventricular bigeminy
: This is alternate ventricular extrasystole i.e. which occurs
after every other sinus beat.
Ventricular trigeminy : When every
2 sinus beat is followed by a ventricular extrasystole.
Ventricular quadrigeminy : When
every 3 sinus beats is followed by a ventricular extrasystole.
Multifocal multiform ventricular
extrasystole : This occurs from different foci and consequently
give rise to different QRS forms.
Extrasystoles in pairs : When a
ventricular ectopic focus discharges prematurely and turce in
succession, a pair of extrasystole follows a normal sinus beat.
This may occur occasionally but
should be viewed with suspicion. Ventricular extrasystole is
always associated with myocardial infarction. Therefore, frequent
ventricular extrasystole especially these occurring in pairs
often herala ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
Ventricular extrasystole with very
short coupling interval R on T phenomenon.
Ventricular extrasystole may occur
with a short coupling interval and will consequently coincide
with and be superimposed upon, or near the apex or distal limb of
the preceding T wave. They are thus likely to occur during the
vulnerable phase of the recovering myocarduim and will
consequently precipitate ventricular flutter and ventricular
fibrillation.
Ventricular tachycardia : This is
due to rapid discharge of ventricular pacemaking focus or due to
re-entry phenomenon.
Paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia
: This a series of three or more consecutive ventricular
extrasystoles. The QRS complexes are bizarre, prenature and occur
in rapid succession.
The ectopic ventricular rhythm and
sinus rhythm may be disociated and they meet at AV node and
impede each others mutive progress. Therefore, P waves have no
relationship to QRS complex. The ectopic impulse may progress
retrogradely then QRS may followed by retrograde P waves.
Ventricular and atrial systole may
together with sufficient time for ventricular filling will lead
to stroke volume falling rapidly and hence cerebral
hupoperfusion.
Idioventricular tachycardia : An
inherent idio ventricular rhythm may be accelerated resulting in
idioventricular tachycardia.
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- Bizarre QRS show ventricular
origin with a relatively rapid rate i.e. about 70-80/min.
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- Capture beats both complete
and incomplete may be present.
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- There is absence of pacemaker
protection i.e. ectopic rhythm is abolished if sinus
rhythm regains its dominance.
-
- This is generally associated
with fever and acute corditis and this rhythm rarely
requires treatment as it rarely causes haemodynamic
embarrassment.
Ventricular flutter : A very rapid
and regular ectopic ventricular discharge and grossly abnormal
intraventricular conduction.
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- QRS-T is very wide and
difficult to define or separate.
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- Paroxysmal ventricular
tachycardia and ventricular flutter are expression of the
same mechanism and change of paroxysmal ventricular
tachycardia to flutter is associated with fall in blood
pressure and cardiac output.
Torsades-de-pointes : When
ventricular flutter present as multiform bizarre QRS complexed
which appear to undulate around an isoelectric baseline is known
as torsades-de-pointes.
Ventricular fibrillation : This is
the expression of chaotic un-coordinated ventricular
depolarization. The haemodynamic pumping action of the heart
therefore ceases and death ensures within minutes if
defibrillation is not instituted.
-
- This is frequently associated
with myocardial infarction and may accompany quinidine
and digitalis toxicity (secondary to hypokalaemia)
-
- The source may be ventricular
extrasystoles esp. which coincides with T wave i.e.
R-on-T phenomenon.
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- Very rapid ventricular rate
may also predispose to ventricular fibrillation.
PARASYSTOLE : It is an abnormal
rhythm in which two or more pacemakers discharge independently.
Normally, the dominant or fastest pacemaker determines the heart
rate i.e. S.A. node. The parasystole pacemaker may be situated in
the atria, AV node or ventride (most commonly). The impulses from
the faster S.A. node pacemaker cannot penetrate this focus which
as a result may discharge at its own inherent rate, unusually
slower rate, unhindered i.e. 20-100/min. Thus, it abnormal
intraventricular conduction dischargers activating the myocardium
when it finds it in a responsive state.
ESCAPE RHYTHMS :
When the SA node with highest
automaticity fails to discharge, spontaneous discharge from
slower subsidiary pacemaker occurs which is an escape beat. If
the pacemaker is able to discharge tw