Alice is a 39yearold ultramarathoner who has been experienci

Alice is a 39-year-old ultra-marathoner who has been experiencing several bouts of light longer headedness and dizziness. Her cardiologist tells her that her AV node is damaged and is no conducting electrical signals through her heart consistently. Of the ECG traces on the back of this page, which one represents Alice\'s condition? In one complete sentence, explain your answer to (b). Include specifically how damage to the AV node connects with what the abnormal components of the ECG represent.

Solution

Option D is looking more appropriate

When AV node is damaged, it results in AV node block, that is the reason why we will see an increase in the PR interval with each beat and there will be a non-conducted P wave and then the pattern will be seen repeating. AV node damage will cause slower contraction of ventricles leading to heart block.

How damage to the AV node connects with what the abnormal components of the ECG represent

Due to the damage to AV node, a change in P-R interval of an ECG will come, either the impulse conduction exceeds 0.2 secs- long P-R interval (First degree AV block) or not every electrical wave will going to pass to ventricles- Causes P waves with no QRS (second degree AV block)