ECG features
Ventricular extrasystoles are the commonest type of arrhythmia that occur after a myocardial infarction.
Features include:
- ventricular extrasystoles have abnormally wide QRS complexes (>120 ms)
- ST segment and T wave are usually opposite in polarity to the QRS
- complete compensatory pause - the underlying sinus rythm continues undisturbed
- the next P wave has a normal morphology but is usually not conducted through the AVN
Ventricular ectopics are common and usually of no clinical significance. Rarely they have the potential to induce ventricular fibrillation particularly if they coincide with the T wave of a preceding beat - this is described as the 'R on T phenomenon'.
Reference
- Marcus G. M., Evaluation and management of premature ventricular complexes, Circulation. (2020) 141, no. 17, 1404–1418
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