Sinus Arrhythmia EKG Interpretation with Rhythm Strip

EKG Features

Rate: Normal (60-100 bpm) and rate may increase during inspiration
Rhythm: Irregular, varying with respiration
P Wave: Normal
PR Interval: Normal (0.12-0.20 sec)
QRS: Normal (0.06-0.10 sec)
Resembles Normal Sinus Rhythm with the distinction being the intervals from one cardiac complex to the next are changing as influenced by the patients respiratory pattern. Note the changing R to R Intervals.
Sinus arrhythmia is a cyclic variation on a sinus rhythm of more than 10% or 120ms due to respiratory breathing. It is common (and normal) in children. If the variation occurs independent of respiration in an adult, evaluate for sick sinus syndrome.

Sinus Arrhythmia EKG Interpretation Example

ekg rhythm strip for reference guide



Return to EKG Reference Guide Index



Authors, Reviewers and Developers EKG rhythms classes: Thomas O'Brien.
EKG monitor simulation: Steve Collmann
12 Lead Lecture: Dr. Michael Mazzini, MD, Cardiologist.
Spanish EKG: Breena R. Taira, MD, MPH
Medical review: Dr. Jonathan Keroes, MD, Cardiologist,
Dr. Barbara Erickson, PhD, RN, CCRN.
EKG tracings review: Dr. Pedro Azevedo, MD, Cardiology
Last Update: 11/10/2022




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