Atrial Rhythms |
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In the previous pages, we reviewed the rhythms originating in the SA node. Occasionally, the SA node will fail, causing another site within the conduction system to take over. In this case, the atria, being the next highest site and rate, the atria will take over. In some cases, atrial arrhythmias are the result of the atria firing at a rate faster than the SA node. This occurs in the presence of atrial irritability. The four rhythms associated with the atria are Atrial Tachycardia, Atrial Flutter, Atrial Fibrillation, and Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC). Remember to use the five rules. |
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