EKG rhythm flashcards - Free Printable

It looks like you've uploaded an image containing information about two types of cardiac arrhythmias: Sinus Bradycardia and Sinus Tachycardia. However, since I can't view or analyze images directly, I’ll interpret the content based on your description and standard medical knowledge.

Here’s a breakdown and explanation of the two conditions shown in your image:

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🔹 Sinus Bradycardia

Definition:
A normal sinus rhythm with a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute (bpm).

Key Features:
- Regular atrial and ventricular rates: The rhythm is regular.
- Rate < 60 bpm: Typically between 40–60 bpm.
- P waves present: Each QRS complex is preceded by a P wave.
- Normal PR interval: Usually around 120–200 ms.
- QRS complexes are narrow (< 120 ms): Indicates normal conduction through the ventricles.
- All P waves are similar in size and shape: Suggests consistent atrial depolarization from the SA node.

Causes:
- Athletes (normal variant)
- Sleep
- Medications (e.g., beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers)
- Hypothyroidism
- Increased intracranial pressure
- Sick sinus syndrome

Clinical Significance:
- Often asymptomatic if the patient is healthy.
- May cause dizziness, fatigue, or syncope if too slow.

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🔹 Sinus Tachycardia

Definition:
A normal sinus rhythm with a heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute (bpm).

Key Features:
- Regular atrial and ventricular rates: Rhythm is regular.
- Rate > 100 bpm: Can range from 100 to 180 bpm (usually).
- P waves present: Each QRS is preceded by a P wave.
- PR interval is normal.
- QRS complexes are narrow: Normal ventricular depolarization.
- P waves are similar in size and shape: Originating from the SA node.

Causes:
- Exercise, anxiety, fever, pain
- Dehydration, hypovolemia
- Hyperthyroidism
- Anemia
- Heart failure
- Medications (e.g., stimulants, atropine)

Clinical Significance:
- Often a compensatory response to stress or illness.
- Can be benign or indicate underlying pathology depending on context.

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✔ Summary Table:

| Feature | Sinus Bradycardia | Sinus Tachycardia |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Heart Rate | < 60 bpm | > 100 bpm |
| Rhythm | Regular | Regular |
| P Waves | Present, consistent | Present, consistent |
| PR Interval | Normal | Normal |
| QRS Complexes | Narrow, normal | Narrow, normal |
| Origin | SA Node | SA Node |
| Common Causes | Athletes, meds, hypothyroidism | Exercise, fever, anxiety |

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🧠 How to Differentiate:

Both rhythms originate from the SA node, so they have P waves before each QRS complex, and the rhythm is regular. The main difference lies in the heart rate:
- Bradycardia = slow
- Tachycardia = fast

Always consider the clinical context when interpreting these rhythms — a slow heart rate may be normal for an athlete, while a fast one might signal dehydration or infection.

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