Understanding the ECG. Part 3: Arrhythmias

Journal article


Sampson, M (2016). Understanding the ECG. Part 3: Arrhythmias. British Journal of Cardiac Nursing. 11 (1), pp. 15-20. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjca.2016.11.1.15
AuthorsSampson, M
Abstract

In this third article of the British Journal of Cardiac Nursing’s ECG series, we will examine arrhythmias
caused by abnormal impulse generation. The intention is not to explain every possible rhythm
disturbance, but rather to review the most common and clinically relevant arrhythmias, and describe
how they can be recognised on the ECG. We will also place each arrhythmia in clinical context by
briefly discussing why it occurs, and how it is treated. Hopefully this process will illustrate the
mechanisms that cause arrhythmias, and deepen the reader’s understanding of the electrical
function of the heart. The rhythm disturbances that we will cover in this article are as follows:
 Ectopic beats
 Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter
 Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
 Ventricular tachycardia (VT)
 Ventricular fibrillation (VF)

Keywords1102 Cardiovascular Medicine And Haematology; 1110 Nursing; 1117 Public Health And Health Services
Year2016
JournalBritish Journal of Cardiac Nursing
Journal citation11 (1), pp. 15-20
PublisherMark Allen Group
ISSN1749-6403
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.12968/bjca.2016.11.1.15
Publication dates
Print15 Feb 2016
Publication process dates
Deposited05 Dec 2017
Accepted01 Jan 2016
Accepted author manuscript
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File Access Level
Open
Additional information

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in British Journal of Cardiac Nursing, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see 10.12968/bjca.2016.11.1.15

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