Paced Rhythm Strips: A Visual Guide To Pacemaker Function

Paced rhythm strips provide a visual representation of the heart's electrical activity when a pacemaker is regulating the heart rate. They are characterized by regularly spaced P waves, a fixed PR interval, and a narrow QRS complex, indicating that the pacing stimulus is effectively depolarizing the atria and ventricles. By examining the morphology and timing of these waveforms, clinicians can assess the functioning of the pacemaker, identify underlying cardiac conditions, and monitor for potential complications.

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