Module title = Tutorial: Origins of Activity

Lesson title = Where are YOU from?

This is lesson 8 of 8 in this module

Here is a summary of all the rules. Discussions for the practice cases will refer to the rule numbers listed here:

1. Upright P waves (in lead II) are from the SA node 95% of the time
2. Inverted P waves are from the atria, AV node, or ventricles
3. No P waves rules out the SA node
4. A normal PR interval rules out the AV node
5. A normal PR interval rules out the ventricle
6. Wavy baseline with P waves and QRS complexes = no fibrillation
7. Wavy baseline with no P waves = atrial fibrillation (probably) = atrial origin
8. Wavy baseline with no QRS complexes = ventricular fibrillation = ventricular origin
9. Narrow QRS rules out the ventricles
10. Wide QRS could be caused by diseased purkinje fibers
11. An atrial rate > 200 rules out the SA node
12. A ventricular rate > 200 rules out the SA node and atria
13. More P waves than QRS complexes = conduction block
14. P waves not all the same size and shape = 2 or more origins for the P waves
15. P waves + QRS complexes present but absent PR interval = 2 origins

Is your head swimming with all these rules?

Here is your chance to practice. This might be ugly at first so don't panic. Click on the ask/comment button if you need human help. We will try to reply within 12 hours.

Read the discussions carefully for detailed explanations. Every case has a discussion that explains the ECG. Good luck!