Idioventricular rhythm: Difference between revisions
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===Life Threatening Causes=== | ===Life Threatening Causes=== | ||
Idioventricular rhythm is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the causes. Life-threatening conditions can result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. | Idioventricular rhythm is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the causes. Life-threatening conditions can result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. | ||
===Common Causes=== | ===Common Causes=== | ||
Revision as of 23:47, 26 August 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:
Synonyms and keywords: IVR
Overview
Normally, the SA node is responsible for triggering each heart beat that results in (ventricular contraction). However, if the ventricle does not receive triggering signals at a rate high enough, the ventricular myocardium itself becomes the pacemaker (escape rhythm). This is called Idioventricular Rhythm. Ventricular signals are transmitted cell-to-cell between cardiomyocytes and not by the conduction system, creating wide sometimes bizarre QRS complexes(> 0.12 sec). The rate is usually 20-40 bpm. If the rate is >40 bpm, it is called accelerated idioventricular rhythm. The rate of 20-40 is the "intrinsic automaticity" of the ventricular myocardium.
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Idioventricular rhythm is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the causes. Life-threatening conditions can result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.