Affiliation:
1. National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
2. National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore
3. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
Abstract
Bradyarrhythmias are commonly encountered in clinical practice. While there are several electrocardiographic criteria and algorithms for tachyarrhythmias, there is no algorithm for bradyarrhythmias to the best of our knowledge. In this article, we propose a diagnostic algorithm that uses simple concepts: (1) the presence or absence of P waves, (2) the relationship between the number of P waves and QRS complexes, and (3) the regularity of time intervals (PP, PR and RR intervals). We believe this straightforward, stepwise method provides a structured and thorough approach to the wide differential diagnosis of bradyarrhythmias, and in doing so, reduces misdiagnosis and mismanagement.
Keywords: Arrhythmia, bradyarrhythmia, bradycardia, cardiology, electrocardiography
Publisher
Academy of Medicine, Singapore
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