Ventricular Parasystole
Let’s talk about Ventricular Parasystole
Parasystole is characterized by competition between two different foci usually the sinus node and an ectopic atrial or ventricular focus, which independently initiate cardiac impulses at different rates. More frequently the ectopic focus arises from the ventricles.
Ventricular Parasystole is when the ectopic focus is from the ventricles, in which the pacemaker is not altered by the impulses coming from the dominant sinus pacemaker. Parasystolic pacemakers are protected from depolarization by the mechanisms of entrance block, which can be complete or incomplete.
Criteria
- Variable coupling interval between dominant sinus rhythm and the parasystolic rhythm.
- Constant interectopic interval and/or can be a multiple (2X, 3X, etc.) of the shorter interectopic interval.
- PVCs have uniform morphology but some times fusion beats may occur.
Note: Coupling interval is considered the interval between sinus complex and the PVC.
Note: The interectopic interval is considered the interval between the PVCs.
Note that the interectopic interval is a multiple (2X) of the shorter interectopic interval with variable coupling interval.
Do you want to practice with complex EKGs?
If you are a cardiology fellow who needs to practice for the ABIM cardiology board or you are someone who wants to practice with complex 12-lead EKGs, our Volume II is what you need.
Do you want to improve your EKG skills?
With our unique, revolutionary and innovative educational platform, you will learn EKG easier than ever. Download the App here and get started. I hope you enjoy our interactive way of learning EKG.
Popular articles
- Sgarbossa Criteria and Concordance vs Discordance in simple words
- The importance of serial EKG in acute myocardial infarction
- Left ventricular thrombus in the setting of anterior acute myocardial infarction
- Premature ventricular complex
Related articles
It may interest you
Read more
Thanks for joining us.