Sinus rhythm
Sinus rhythm refers to any cardiac rhythm where depolarisation of the cardiac muscle begins at the sinus node.[1] It is characterised by the presence of correctly-oriented P waves on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Sinus rhythm is necessary, but not sufficient, for normal electrical activity within the heart.
The term normal sinus rhythm (NSR) is sometimes used to denote a specific type of sinus rhythm where all other measurements on the ECG also fall within designated normal limits, giving rise to the characteristic appearance of the ECG when the electrical conduction system of the heart is functioning normally.[2] However, other sinus rhythms can be entirely normal in particular patient groups and clinical contexts, so the term is sometimes considered a misnomer and its use is sometimes discouraged.[3]
Other types of sinus rhythm include sinus tachycardia, sinus bradycardia and sinus arrhythmia. Sinus rhythm may be present together with other cardiac arrhythmias on the same ECG.
ECG characteristics of normal sinus rhythm
By convention, the term "normal sinus rhythm" is taken to imply that not only are the P waves (reflecting sinoatrial node activity) normal in morphology, but that all other ECG measurements are also normal. Criteria therefore include:[2]
- Normal heart rate (classically 60 to 100 beats per minute for an adult).
- Regular rhythm, with less than 0.16 second variation in the shortest and longest durations between successive P waves.
- The sinoatrial node should pace the heart – therefore, P waves must be round, all the same shape, and present before every QRS complex in a ratio of 1:1.
- Normal P wave axis (+15 to +75 degrees)
- Normal PR interval, QRS complex and QT interval.
- QRS complex positive in leads I, II, aVF and V3-V6, and negative in lead aVR.
References
External links
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