Sinus Rhythm Vs. Ventricular Tachycardia (Non-Sustained) on Your Watch ECG

Got other questions on Sinus Rhythm or Vtach? See the Qaly guides on Sinus Rhythm and Vtach:

• What Sinus Rhythm Looks Like on Your ECG
• What Vtach Looks Like on Your ECG
• ‍How to Read an ECG: Stanford Cardiologist Explains
• ‍The Ultimate Cardiologist's Guide to the Smartwatch ECG

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Introduction

Electrocardiograms, known as ECGs, have become a cornerstone in health monitoring. Now, their integration in wrist-worn devices can help us identify various heart rhythms and detect potential abnormalities in real time. Today, we'll focus on understanding and differentiating between sinus rhythm and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia as they appear on your watch ECG. Let's dive in.

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What’s Sinus Rhythm?

Sinus rhythm, or normal sinus rhythm, is considered the standard rhythm of a healthy heart. In this pattern, electrical signals originate from the sinoatrial (SA) node located in the right atrium, initiating each heartbeat and ensuring they occur at a steady, regular rate.

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On an ECG, sinus rhythm is characterized by a distinct P wave (indicating atrial contraction) followed by the QRS complex (signifying ventricular contraction), then the T wave (representing ventricular relaxation). This cycle repeats at a rate of 60-100 times per minute in adults at rest. Here’s more on what sinus rhythm looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)?

VT, on the other hand, is a fast heart rhythm that starts in the lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. It often results in a heart rate of 100 to 250 beats per minute, which can be life-threatening. On an ECG, V-tach shows a rapid, regular rhythm with wide and bizarre QRS complexes, often overshadowing the P waves. 

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“Non-sustained” V-tach lasts less than 30 seconds, whereas “sustained” V-tach lasts longer. Here’s more on what V-tach looks like on your watch ECG.

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What’s the Difference Between Sinus Rhythm and Ventricular Tachycardia?

Comparing sinus rhythm vs V-tach involves understanding the fundamental differences in their origin, rhythm regularity, and rate. Sinus rhythm originates from the SA node and is usually regular and within a normal rate range. V-tach, however, originates from the ventricles and is usually rapid, with broad and irregular QRS complexes.

In terms of health impact, a normal sinus rhythm is indicative of a healthy heart. Non-sustained V-tach, while it can be asymptomatic in some, may be a precursor to sustained V-tach or other arrhythmias in others, especially those with structural heart disease. It can cause a variety of symptoms, and in rare cases, it may lead to cardiac arrest if not treated promptly.

In summary, both sinus rhythm and V-tach have distinctive features on an ECG, and knowing these differences can help in early detection and treatment of potential heart conditions. While your watch ECG can be a great tool for preliminary monitoring, always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive analysis of any perceived abnormalities. Stay informed, stay proactive, and stay heart healthy!

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Still Not Sure if It’s Sinus Rhythm or Ventricular Tachycardia (Non-Sustained) on Your ECG?

Differentiating between sinus rhythm vs non-sustained VT on your ECG 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!