Sinus Arrhythmia Vs. Sinus Pause <3 Seconds on Your Watch ECG

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Introduction

With technological advancement, the power of electrocardiograms (ECGs) is now available at our fingertips, literally, thanks to smartwatches and wearable devices. Understanding the readings these gadgets provide, however, can sometimes be a challenge. In this article, we are set to dissect and compare two rhythms that you might encounter: sinus arrhythmia and sinus pause of less than 3 seconds. Knowing the differences of sinus arrhythmia vs sinus pause can help you make sense of your ECG data and gain insights into your heart's health. Let’s dive in!

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What’s Sinus Arrhythmia?

Sinus arrhythmia is a type of normal variation in heart rhythm that's often more pronounced in young, healthy people. It’s characterized by a heart rate that increases when you breathe in and decreases when you breathe out.

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Sinus Arrhythmia read on a Samsung Watch ECG through the Qaly app. Notice how Samsung misinterpreted it as Atrial Fibrillation.

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On an ECG, sinus arrhythmia appears as a regular variation in the “RR interval,” which is the time between each heartbeat, so long as it is accompanied by uniform and upright P waves. Here’s more on what sinus arrhythmia looks like on your watch ECG.

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Sinus Arrhythmia read on a Samsung Watch ECG through the Qaly app. Notice here, too, that Samsung misinterpreted it as Afib.

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What’s Sinus Pause?

On the other hand, a Sinus Pause, also known as sinus arrest, is an event where the sinus node, which normally sends electrical impulses to trigger regular heartbeats, fails to fire, leading to a pause in the heart's electrical activity. When the pause is less than 3 seconds, it may not cause symptoms but will still appear on an ECG as a break in the P wave progression. Here’s more on what sinus pause <3 seconds looks like on your watch ECG.

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Sinus Pause <3 Seconds read on a Kardia ECG through the Qaly app.

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Sinus Pause read on a Kardia ECG through the Qaly app.

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What’s the Difference Between Sinus Arrhythmia and Sinus Pause <3 Seconds?

When comparing sinus arrhythmia vs sinus pause, sinus arrhythmia represents a variation in the heart's rhythm in response to natural body processes such as breathing. In contrast, a sinus pause represents a temporary cessation of electrical activity from the sinus node.

In terms of health implications, sinus arrhythmia is a normal phenomenon and isn’t a cause for concern. On the other hand, a sinus pause, especially one lasting more than 3 seconds, could indicate an underlying heart condition, although a pause of less than 3 seconds is often considered benign.

As a reminder, while the ECG capabilities of smartwatches can offer valuable insights into your heart's activity, it's crucial to consult healthcare professionals for accurate interpretation and diagnosis. Any changes or concerns about your heart rhythm, including sinus arrhythmia vs sinus pause, should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

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Still Not Sure if It’s Sinus Arrhythmia or Sinus Pause <3 Seconds on Your ECG?

Differentiating between sinus arrhythmia vs sinus pause <3 seconds can be tricky. If you’re still looking for help interpreting your ECG further, check out the Qaly app on App Store or Play Store. On Qaly, human experts will interpret your ECGs within minutes, day or night. Try out the Qaly app today!