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The atrial rate refers to the number of electrical impulses originating from the atria, while the ventricular rate is the number of impulses generated that reach the ventricles and trigger contraction. In a normal heart, these rates are typically equal, but in certain arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, the atrial rate may be significantly higher than the ventricular rate. This discrepancy can affect cardiac output and overall heart function. Understanding both rates is crucial in diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions.
What else can I help you with?
What is the difference between heart rate and ventricular rate?
On an ECG the heart rate will match both ventricular rate and atrial rate if the heart is normal. If people have atrial fibrilation then the ventricular rate will be used on the ECG to work out the rate of the ventricular contraction and vice-versa with ventricular fibrilation. Usually both atrial and ventricular rates match so if the atria contracts at 70 BPM the ventricles will beat at 70 BPM. It is possible for the ECG machine to work out atrial or ventricular rate if needs be. Usually, however, if the ECG machine just displays heart rate then both ventricular and atrial rates match.
Does the atrial rate equal the ventricular rate in the ECG tracing?
yes
What are the ECG characteristics of Atrial flutter?
1- Inverted P waves (F waves) in II, III and AVF. 2- saw-tooth pattern between QRS complexes in II,III and AVF. 3- Atrial rate is 250-400 and regular but ventricular rate depends on AV node and between 60-150 and typically regular. 4- QRS is not wide 5- T waves not identifiable.
Do the ventricles have the same rate as the atria in atrial fibrillation?
No. In atrial fibrillation, the atria have regional depolarizations at a rate of over 300 per minute. Fortunately, the atrioventricular node prevents the ventricular rate from being this high as we would die from lack of cardiac output. There are conditions where the ventricles are depolarized at a rate approximating the atrial depolarization - these include the Lown-Ganong-Levine and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndromes, and consist of abnormal tracts between the atria and ventricles around the AV node.
What is the difference between ventricular fibrillation and arrhythmia?
Ventricular fibrillation (V fib, VF) is a fatal dysrhythmia that occurs as a result of multiple weak ectopic foci in the ventricles. In other words, there is NO coordinated atrial or ventricular contraction and NO palpable pulse. Ventricular tachycardia (VT or V tach) have three or more PVCs with a rate of >100
Should emergency defibrillators be used on patients suffering atrial fibrillation attacks?
If patients with atrial fibrillation experience rapid heart rate (rapid ventricular response) and are hemodynamically unstable (hypotension, altered mental status) then electrical cardioversion is appropriate. Defibrillation is never utilized in atrial fibrillation.
What are phases of the cardiac cycle that shortens most in response to tachycardia?
The diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle shortens the most in response to tachycardia. This includes the time spent in ventricular filling (diastasis) and atrial contraction (atrial systole), as these phases are compressed to accommodate the faster heart rate.
Difference between atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter?
They're he same thing. Atrial flutter is more of a slang term, and is sometimes found in patients with atrial tachycardia. Basically, atrial fibrillation is a disorder, and atrial flutter is a symptom
What does arrhythmia mean?
A condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm. Could be PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions), slow heart rate (<60 bpm = bradycardia), fast heart rate (>100 bpm = tachycardia), atrial fibrillation, and more
What effect does atropine have on heart rate?
Ventricular fibrillation, and supraventricular or ventricular tachycardia.
When r-r intervals have an irregular ventricular response at any rate it is known as what?
When R-R intervals have an irregular ventricular response at any rate, it is known as "irregularly irregular" rhythm. This term is often associated with conditions such as atrial fibrillation, where the timing of heartbeats is unpredictable and lacks a consistent pattern. This irregularity can lead to various complications, including decreased cardiac efficiency and increased risk of thromboembolism.
Does atrial fibrillation affect central venous pressure?
Yes, atrial fibrillation can affect central venous pressure (CVP). During atrial fibrillation, the loss of coordinated atrial contraction can lead to impaired ventricular filling and reduced cardiac output, which may cause changes in venous return and increase CVP. Additionally, the irregular and often rapid heart rate associated with atrial fibrillation can further influence hemodynamics, potentially resulting in elevated CVP in certain patients, especially those with underlying heart failure or volume overload.
