What are the different heart rhythms a paramedic would analyze?
A paramedic would analyze the following heart rhythms:
1. Sinus rhythm: This is the normal heart rhythm, in which the electrical impulses that control the heart's contractions originate from the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is located in the right atrium. Sinus rhythm is characterized by a regular pulse rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm) and a P wave on the electrocardiogram (ECG) that precedes each QRS complex.
2. Atrial fibrillation (AFib): This is a common heart arrhythmia in which the electrical impulses that control the heart's contractions originate from multiple points in the atria, rather than from the SA node. AFib is characterized by an irregular pulse rate that may be rapid or slow, and an irregular ECG pattern with no distinct P waves and a rapid, disorganized fibrillation pattern instead.
3. Atrial flutter: This is a heart arrhythmia in which the electrical impulses that control the heart's contractions originate from a single point in the atria, but at a rapid rate. Atrial flutter is characterized by a regular pulse rate that is typically between 150 and 250 bpm, and an ECG pattern with distinct sawtooth-shaped flutter waves instead of P waves.
4. Ventricular tachycardia (VTach): This is a heart arrhythmia in which the electrical impulses that control the heart's contractions originate from the ventricles, rather than from the SA node. VTach is characterized by a regular pulse rate that is typically between 100 and 250 bpm, and an ECG pattern with wide, bizarre-shaped QRS complexes.
5. Ventricular fibrillation (VFib): This is a life-threatening heart arrhythmia in which the electrical impulses that control the heart's contractions are disorganized and chaotic. VFib is characterized by an irregular pulse rate that is very fast or slow, and an ECG pattern with no distinct QRS complexes or P waves.
6. Asystole: This is a heart arrhythmia in which there is no electrical activity in the heart. Asystole is characterized by a flat line on the ECG, with no discernible electrical activity.
7. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA): This is a heart arrhythmia in which there is electrical activity in the heart, but the heart is not contracting effectively. PEA is characterized by a pulse rate that is absent or very weak, and an ECG pattern with organized electrical activity, but no palpable pulse.
8. Bradycardia: This is a heart arrhythmia in which the heart rate is slower than normal, typically less than 60 bpm. Bradycardia can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medications, heart conditions, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
9. Tachycardia: This is a heart arrhythmia in which the heart rate is faster than normal, typically more than 100 bpm. Tachycardia can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, anxiety, certain medications, and heart conditions.